Saybrus Partners Adds Steve Shirley and Geoffrey Ward [Professional Services Close – Up]

Saybrus Partners, Inc. announced that Steve Shirley has joined the company as managing director, National Accounts and Geoffrey Ward has joined the company as managing director, Business Development.

According to a release, Shirley will be responsible for managing key account relationships and helping drive successful sales execution within those channels. In addition, he will be responsible for identifying and securing new institutional partnership opportunities.

"Steve's extensive sales, marketing and distribution experience is a great fit for Saybrus as we continue to forge strong, successful partnerships and build our third-party life insurance business," said Edward Cassidy, managing principal, Saybrus Partners.

Shirley was previously national accounts vice president for institutional accounts, John Hancock Life Insurance Company, and held senior sales management positions at Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc.

Ward will be responsible for identifying new distribution channel opportunities for middle market product offerings.

"Geoff's extensive industry experience is a real plus for Saybrus as we help our clients broaden their reach into the middle market. The millions of Americans defining this vital market segment have very real retirement security and protection needs, and Geoff will be instrumental in helping our partners bring valuable solutions to the table to help address them," said Cassidy.

Ward was previously national director for MetLife and held senior sales positions at Travelers Life and Annuity.

Saybrus Partners, Inc. is a life insurance partnership firm.

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