Guardian Appoints National Sales Manager for Small Plan Market
NEW YORK, NY, October 16, 2012 -- The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (www.Guardianlife.com), today announced the appointment of Stephen Davis as National Sales Manager for Guardian Retirement Solutions™. Davis, a respected industry veteran with over 20 years of sales experience at major financial service firms, will oversee the wholesaling activities of Guardian Retirement Solutions™ and will report directly to Kurt Shallow, Vice President of Risk Products Distribution.
"Steve's appointment underscores Guardian's commitment to investing in and growing our Retirement Plans business. His national sales experience and record of success in sales management will be a great asset to Guardian as we continue to expand our position as a key player in the micro to small plan marketplace," said Michael B. Cefole, Senior Vice President and head of Guardian Retirement Solutions™. "Steve's appointment is the latest new hire to advance our position in the micro to small plan market alongside a series of product enhancements and value-added tools developed over the last year as we continue to invest in this growing market segment."
Guardian Retirement Solutions™ focuses on employer-sponsored retirement plans under $5 million, the fastest growing segment of the market, accounting for approximately 90% of all 401k plans. Guardian's focused distribution model has helped support sales growth in the 401k small plan market. Plans under management in 2012 have risen over 50 percent year-over-year. Guardian's 401k revenue has grown at a 50 percent CAGR over the past five year period and 2012 sales are projected to double 2010 sales figures. The firm has increased its 401k sales force by 40 percent year-to-date to meet growing demand from this market segment.
In addition, Guardian has introduced key tools to help support financial professionals define their value proposition in a changing regulatory landscape and help communicate the value of service providers including, the 401k fee disclosure website Understanding Plan Fees (www.guardianretirement.com/understandingfees) and a comprehensive presentation for financial professionals called "Are You F2 Prepared: Navigating the Fiduciary and Fee Disclosure Regulatory Landscape."
Davis joins Guardian from The Hartford, serving most recently in the role of Vice President, Regional Sales Director, Mid-Market. Davis spent 20 years with ING/CitiStreet and Citigroup, where he held various sales positions, including National Sales Director and National Head of Mid-Market Sales. A Board Member on the Defined Contribution Investment Council, Davis was also a contributor to Hyperion Books' Secrets of Great Rainmakers.
About Guardian
A mutual insurer founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries are committed to protecting individuals, business owners and their employees with life insurance, disability income insurance, dental insurance products, and offer funding vehicles for 401k plans, annuities and other financial products. Guardian operates one of the largest dental networks in the United States, and protects more than six million employees and their families at 115,000 companies. The company has approximately 5,000 employees in the United States and a network of over 3,000 financial representatives in more than 80 agencies nationwide. For more information about Guardian, please visit: www.GuardianLife.com.
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