
Chief Marketing Officer Bobby Pulley has been selected as the next chief executive officer of Tennessee Farmers Insurance Companies, President Eric Mayberry announced Tuesday, July 22.
The TFIC board of directors chose Pulley during its Tuesday retreat. Pulley will take office as Farm Bureau Insurance’s sixth chief executive officer on Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Jeff Pannell, who is retiring at the end of the year after a 39-year career.
“Bobby has proven himself to be a strong leader with a clear understanding of our business and a steady focus on where we’re headed,” said Mayberry. “His experience, drive, and commitment to our mission make him well prepared to lead. I have full confidence in his ability to guide our companies into the future.”
Pulley began his TFIC career in 2002 in his native Stewart County. In 2006, Pulley was named manager of the Gibson-Milan office, and he returned to manage the office in Dover in 2007. He was named the Region 7 regional manager in January 2019 and the chief marketing officer in November 2021.
“I’m thankful for the trust President Mayberry and the board have placed in me. It’s a privilege to step into this role and continue the work that Mr. Pannell and so many others have led with care and dedication. We’ve built a strong company focused on serving our members and supporting our agents, and I’m committed to carrying that work forward,” said Pulley.
“I had the opportunity to hire Bobby early in his career, and it’s been a privilege to watch him grow into the leader he is today. He’s the right person to guide us into the future—through online sales, continued innovation, and the next phase of our technology journey. I hope you’ll give him the same trust and support that I was fortunate to receive. I’m confident he’ll steer the company to even greater success while staying true to what makes Farm Bureau Insurance special,” said Pannell.
Pulley graduated from UT-Martin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He and his wife, Tanya, have three daughters and live in Columbia.