ING U.S. Hires Fixed Annuities Unit Head

In his new role, Bedard will be responsible for products, financial management and the operating performance of the fixed annuity business, part of the firm’s retirement solutions division. He will also join the retirement solutions executive team, collaborating on overall business strategy and direction.

Bedard has a broad range of annuity and financial expertise. He has more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership positions at insurance and financial services organizations. 

Most recently, Bedard was executive vice president of global annuities for The Hartford Financial Services Group after serving as the chief financial officer of the firm’s wealth management business. Previously, he was senior vice president and chief financial officer for the U.S. life and agency division of New York Life Insurance Company, where he also served as senior managing director and chief financial officer for New York Life Investments. Bedard held leadership positions earlier in his career at MassMutual and Coopers & Lybrand.

Bedard, who will be based in ING U.S.’ Windsor, Connecticut, office, will report to Maliz Beams, chief executive of ING U.S. retirement solutions. His appointment is effective January 28, 2013. 

Bedard, who is a certified public accountant, holds a bachlor’s degree in business administration from Nichols College in Massachusetts. He is a member of the Nichols Board of Trustees and chairman of its audit committee. 

ING U.S.’ retirement solutions business comprises the retirement and annuities segments, and provides retirement plans and individual retirement products and guidance in the U.S. The annuities segment includes fixed, fixed-index and immediate annuities.