Mercer Adds to Outsourcing Biz

Mercer said that as an added-value service from Mercer’s outsourcing business, Powell will meet with clients’ retirement plan participants to offer them a “deeper understanding of a variety of retirement topics.” According to the announcement, the service complements Mercer’s team of on-site Employee Education Consultants, who currently offer information on subjects ranging from basic enrollment and diversification to more advanced planning for near-retirees.

Through in-person presentations and webcasts, Powell will explore a variety of retirement topics with those interested in more specialized information. Mercer said this service may be appropriate for companies with employees who are interested in market perspectives, financial analysis, and industry trends, as well as employees approaching retirement or retirees who need strategies to help plan or manage distributions from their 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions.

Powell’s experience includes serving as president of Unison Associates LLC, a Salem, Massachusetts-based financial education, communication, and consulting firm. He is also Editor of MarketWatch’s Retirement Weekly newsletter, Editorial Director for the PBS television documentary Making Your Money Last a Lifetime in Retirement, and a content and consulting services expert for the Financial Planning Association, the Retirement Income Industry Association, and the California Institute of Finance.

“Partnering with someone of Bob’s experience, renown, and practical approach underscores Mercer’s commitment to providing plan sponsors with the resources to not only educate their employees, but provide them with realistic ways to help employees better prepare for retirement,’ explained Eric Levy, Worldwide Partner, Retirement Business Leader for Mercer’s outsourcing business.