MassMutual Beefs Up TPA Sales Channel

By Cyril Tuohy

InsuranceNewsNet

Echo Robinson, a MassMutual veteran with more than 13 years of experience in the retirement plans industry, has joined MassMutual Retirement Services’ third-party administrator (TPA) sales team, according to Lynn Banziruk, head of TPA market development for MassMutual.

Based in Orange, Calif., Robinson is focused on growing the TPA business in the west and southwest regions while maintaining the company’s existing business with specialized advisors and career agents in Southern California.

Robinson joined MassMutual in 2010 as sales director. Prior to joining MassMutual, she served as a regional sales director and has extensive experience working with TPAs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Redlands University, as well as FINRA Series 6, 7 and 63 registrations. She is also licensed in the sale of life, health and annuity products.

In addition to Robinson, the company has announced that Kevin Catineau has joined the TPA sales team to serve as TPA market director for the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, Banziruk also said. Catineau, most recently a regional sales director covering northern New England, has 18 years in the industry, including stints as operations manager, sales desk manager and financial advisor.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Michael’s College as well as FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 26 registrations. He is licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, and holds a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist designation.

“We are excited about the momentum and tremendous value that we can bring to our TPAs by introducing this focused TPA market director role,” Banziruk said in a statement. “The TPA market director will work with MassMutual’s expanded team of 90 sales professionals to drive business with our valued TPAs.”

MassMutual’s ramping up of TPA personnel comes in the wake of the company’s $400 million purchase of The Hartford’s Retirement Plans Group announced last September. The Hartford shed its retirement, life and annuities business to focus on property-casualty underwriting.

Cyril Tuohy is a writer living in Pennsylvania. He has covered the financial services industry for more than 15 years. He has also written about food, restaurants and travel. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Cyril Tuohy is a writer based in Pennsylvania. He has covered the financial services industry for more than 15 years. He can be reached at [email protected].