Retirement Industry People Moves – 5/3/24

PRI Hires Retirement Plan Executive

Karen DiSastio

The Pension Resource Institute LLC, a retirement plan compliance, technology, and consulting firm, has hired Karen DiStasio as senior vice president, member relations.

In the position, DiStasio will focus on enhancing the PRI member experience, working alongside Annie Messer, who joined PRI in March 2023.

“Karen has the perfect background to complement PRI—helping financial institutions and professionals grow and scale their retirement business,” Jason C. Roberts, CEO of PRI, said in a statement. “Karen joins us at a time where the industry is recognizing the vital role retirement plans play in positioning financial institutions for maximum growth and while it is bracing for even more change. She will be critical to advancing our goal of doubling our membership over the next 12–18 months.”

PRI offers clients a customizable and comprehensive suite of compliance forms, agreements, disclosure, policies and procedures, and training materials designed to help banks, broker-dealers, and investment advisers simplify regulatory complexity.

“I am honored to join a team with such highly respected expertise in retirement plans,” DiStasio said in a statement. “Having had the privilege of working closely with retirement plan advisers in my previous roles, I am eager to bring my insights and experiences to PRI. My goal is to harness this collective knowledge to empower PRI members, helping them navigate the complexities of retirement plans with confidence and clarity.”

The Standard Names Head of AI Strategy and Development

Peter Orr

The Standard Insurance Company, or The Standard, named Porter Orr to the role of second vice president of artificial intelligence strategy and development.

Orr is responsible for leading and administering the company’s AI strategy in partnership with employees in information technology as well as business and service divisions across The Standard. In the position, he will seek to “harness AI capabilities that deliver tangible value and productivity to the company and customers,” according to the announcement.

Prior to joining The Standard, Porter worked at Unum as head of applied AI products and platforms. He also held positions in data analytics, machine learning and AI at Mobi Systems, the U.S. Department of Defense and The Walt Disney Company.

Broadridge Taps Kirkland to Head Mutual Fund Unit

Jane Kirkland

Broadridge Financial Solutions has named Jane Kirkland head of mutual fund regulatory communications for the firm’s asset management solutions group.

In the role, Kirkland will be responsible for asset manager client relationships, product development, service delivery and engagement with securities regulators.

Kirkland will be overseeing a business providing regulatory disclosures to shareholders in more than 30,000 mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, variable annuities and other investment vehicles. She will also expand the team’s ability to service clients in Europe.

Kirkland had previously spent nearly nine years with State Street as senior vice president in leadership roles including head of boutique asset manager servicing; prior to that she was at McKinsey as a partner in the strategy and financial institutions practice.

Before the new role at Broadridge, she had been partnering with the firm as a consultant to develop its regulatory reporting strategy.

Newfront Names August-deWilde to Board

Katherine August-deWilde

Newfront announced that Katherine August-deWilde will join the insurance and retirement services firm’s board of directors after being an investor and adviser for the last six years.

August-deWilde will bring experience including co-leading First Republic Bank from 1985 to 2015. She currently serves on corporate boards, including Sunrun and Eventbrite, along with several non-profit organizations.

 “Newfront’s strategy of marrying technology with industry-leading talent to provide a modern client experience is revolutionary and standard-setting,” August-deWilde said in a statement. “I look forward to joining the board of directors to support the company’s client-focused culture and business strategy.”