Retirement Industry People Moves

The Standard Names PEP Sales Director for Retirement Plans

Mark Christensen

The Standard announced that Mark Christensen will serve as the pooled employer plan sales director in retirement plans for the recordkeeper.

Christensen has 20 years of experience in financial services, most of which was in the retirement plan space. He previously held roles at Voya, Principal Financial Group and Sallus Retirement, a PEP startup.

“Mark’s experience will help ensure all the resources at The Standard are available to our advisers as we grow our private label PEP business,” said Steven Chappell, vice president of distribution in retirement plan sales at The Standard, in a statement.

Lincoln Financial Hires VP of Investment Distribution

Tom Morelli

Lincoln Financial named industry veteran Tom Morelli as vice president of investment distribution. In this role, Morelli will focus on the distribution of Lincoln’s suite of more than 100 sub-advised variable insurance funds, mutual funds, model portfolios and other investment solutions.

He will report to John Kennedy, executive vice president, chief distribution and brand officer.

Prior to joining Lincoln, Morelli served as head of wealth management at T. Rowe Price, overseeing all aspects of home office and field sales. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the investment distribution space.

Lincoln Financial Adds 3 to Retirement Plan Services Team

Three new hires on Lincoln’s small market retirement plan services team were also announced last week.

Kara Kidney

Kara Kidney joined Lincoln Financial as assistant vice president and divisional sales manager overseeing the West Division. Kidney has more than 20 years of industry experience and will report to Joe Mrozek, vice president and national sales manager.

Additionally, George Webb and David Frost joined Lincoln as regional sales directors. Frost will report to Paul Rankin, divisional sales manager, and cover Maryland, southern Delaware and Washington D.C., and Webb will report to Vince Rainforth, divisional sales manager, and cover north Texas and Oklahoma.