2025 CEO of the Year Honoree

The HR Department of the Year Awards is pleased to announce this year’s recipient of our CEO of The Year Award, Rick Thornberry, CEO of Radian Group Inc. Recognizing his inspiring work as CEO for one of our country’s leading mortgage insurance providers, we will honor Rick and his achievements at our annual awards event, November 13, 2025. We’re now accepting registrations here.

About Rick Thornberry
Rick Thornberry has served as Chief Executive Officer of Radian Group Inc. since 2017, leading one of the nation’s largest private mortgage insurance companies. Under his leadership, Radian has evolved into a data-driven enterprise focused on financial strength, disciplined growth and delivering confidence across the housing finance system. He has strengthened the company’s capital position, enhanced its risk and operational frameworks, and championed digital innovation to drive long-term value.

Radian’s planned acquisition of Inigo marks the next step in Radian’s evolution, reflecting Rick’s forward-looking vision to broaden Radian’s reach beyond mortgage insurance and establish the company as a global multi-line specialty insurer. By combining Radian’s proven risk management expertise with Inigo’s underwriting capabilities and specialty focus, the acquisition positions the company for greater diversification, innovation and resilience across the insurance landscape.

Rick is also committed to advancing a culture of inclusion, accountability and community impact. Under his leadership, Radian has deepened its focus on corporate responsibility and been recognized for its efforts to promote housing stability and opportunity. He was honored by the Mortgage Bankers Association with the Community Champion Award for his contributions to the housing community and philanthropic engagement.

Prior to joining Radian, Rick brought over 30 years of financial services leadership experience. He co-founded NexSpring Group in 2006, a financial services advisory and fintech firm serving private equity, lenders, and mortgage investors, where he served as Chairman and CEO until 2017. Rick also served as President and COO of Citicorp Mortgage Inc. and held executive positions at Residential Services Corporation/Prudential Home Mortgage Company. He began his career as a CPA at Deloitte, focusing on financial services clients.

Rick currently serves as an executive council member of the Housing Policy Council and on the board of directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association and its foundation, the MBA Open Doors Foundation, which provides mortgage and rental payment assistance to families with a critically ill or injured child. He holds a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Saint Louis University.