Retirement Industry People Moves

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Aegon Asset Management Hires Distribution Head

Aegon Asset Management has named Christopher Thompson the U.S. head of distribution. Over the course of his more than 30 years in the asset management industry, Thompson has led institutional and intermediary sales, client service, marketing and product management. He started at Aegon Asset Management on April 1. 

Thompson is responsible for developing and managing the overall distribution strategies for the U.S. marketplace, including institutional and intermediary sales, consultant relations, client service, marketing and product management. He is also a member of the firm’s executive committee.

“Chris brings deep experience in sales, marketing, product development and investment management to the firm,” says Gary Black, U.S. CEO. “Our distribution efforts will benefit from his direction and leadership as he shares the best of Aegon Asset Management’s investment strategies with existing and new markets, globally.”

Prior to joining Aegon, Thompson served as senior managing director and head of the Americas client group at AllianceBernstein. He also held positions at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Putnam Investments and BEA Associates/CS First Boston Investment Management.

“This is an exciting opportunity to introduce Aegon AM’s investment strategies to new audiences and expand its reach into multiple markets,” says Thompson.

TRA Acquires Virginia TPA Firm

The Retirement Advantage, Inc. (TRA) has acquired Gillespie & Company of Virginia, a third-party administration firm, headquartered in Danville, Virginia.

“We are pleased the Gillespie & Company staff are joining TRA and will be able to continue to provide the exceptional guidance and service their clients have grown accustomed to,” says TRA President Matt Schoneman.

“Our organizations are similar in many ways and have an outstanding track record for exceptional customer service,” says Kay Gillespie, founder and president of Gillespie & Company of Virginia. “We are excited about the possibilities this acquisition offers to the clients of both organizations.”

“Over the past two years, TRA has successfully integrated six TPA’s with our firm,” adds Schoneman. “Adding Gillespie & Company enhances our already strong position as a leader in the retirement services industry and complements our high-touch, relationship-based service model. We’re committed to growing our business. Tapping into Gillespie & Company’s network will allow us to develop new relationships in the region.”

American Century Investments Names Senior Retirement Strategist 

Glenn Dial has joined American Century Investments as senior retirement strategist, where he will help further the firm’s commitment to delivering resources and thought leadership in the target date and retirement income space. Dial reports to Rick Luchinsky, senior vice president, head of financial institutions and retirement.

“We are thrilled to have Glenn join our mission of ultimately helping retirement plan participants achieve their long-term goals and supporting our partners in this process,” Luchinsky says.

Dial joined American Century from Allianz Global Investors where he was a managing director and head of retirement strategy. Prior to that, he served as executive director, national sales manager of investment only defined contribution for J.P. Morgan Chase.

Dial holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Central Florida and a master’s from Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Orlando.

Transamerica Increases Workplace Solutions Team with Three Hires

Transamerica has added three workers to the company’s workplace solutions team. Michele Laffert joined the company as regional director of client engagement, Brian Nickolenko joined as senior manager of business development, and Gabe Chamberlin was promoted to TPA vice president for the Midwest region.

Laffert manages a team of client executives that focuses on mid-market retirement plans in the company’s western region. She reports to Craig Haase, director of client engagement, workplace solutions. Laffert has a master’s degree from Bay Path University.

Nickolenko oversees the business development efforts for retirement plans across the country and reports to Charmaine Hughes Lee, director of business development, workplace solutions. Nickolenko earned a master’s degree from Fairfield University.

Chamberlin supports TPA professionals in the Midwest region and reports to Joshua MacDonald, senior manager, TPA development. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University.

The American Academy of Actuaries Names Senior Pension Fellow

The American Academy of Actuaries has named Linda Stone, a leading pension actuary and nonprofit volunteer, as the Academy’s senior pension fellow, beginning May 20.

In this new role, Stone will help shape and communicate the Academy’s work on pension, Social Security, and other retirement security issues to the public, policymakers, and the news media. “With a variety of experience in both private practice and nonprofit roles, Linda brings a deep knowledge that will add valuable, objective actuarial perspective to the contemporary dialogue on retirement policy issues,” says Academy Executive Director Mary Downs. 

Stone was with WillisTowersWatson and predecessor firms for over 25 years, where she was the east region retirement practice leader responsible for all retirement clients and staff. Before that, she was leader of the Mid-Atlantic retirement practice. She previously served as a Policy Board of Directors member at the American Benefits Council, and, through her volunteer position as a fellow with the nonprofit Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER), has frequently spoken at conferences across the country. In February 2019, she testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Stone is a graduate of St. Joseph’s University (SJU), a member of the SJU College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board as well as its Actuarial Science Industry Advisory Board, and past board member of The Forum of Executive Women.