Europeans are living and working for longer. Principal’s CEO says companies aren’t ready for the change

Principal Financial Group CEO Deanna Strable warned that employers are unprepared for Europe's aging workforce, as average EU life expectancy now exceeds 81 years. She said companies need to overhaul career paths, training and retirement planning to accommodate longer working lives. The comments position the insurer at the center of a demographic shift affecting pension systems and labor markets across the bloc. Strable's remarks signal that retirement-product demand and workforce retention strategies could become priorities for European employers. Investors will watch whether Principal expands its European retirement and benefits offerings in response.