Symetra Life Appoints Richard LaVoice EVP, Sales and Distribution

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Symetra Life Insurance Company announced the appointment of Richard LaVoice as executive vice president, Sales and Distribution for Symetra’s life insurance and annuity products, effective Sept. 16, 2010.

In his new role, LaVoice will have overall responsibility for distribution strategy, sales, Symetra Investment Services (the company’s broker-dealer), channel marketing and sales operations. He will report to Tom Marra, Symetra president and chief executive officer.

Most recently, LaVoice served as corporate vice president and national sales manager of Retirement Income at MassMutual Financial Group. He has specialized in selling life insurance and investment products throughout his 28-year career, holding sales leadership positions at UBS Financial Services, Inc., SunAmerica Retirement Markets, Inc., Bear Stearns & Co., and Shearson/Smith Barney. LaVoice earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

“Rich has had a long and successful career in financial services, both on the retail and manufacturing side. He brings a wealth of experience working with financial institutions, national brokerages and financial planning firms,” said Marra. “Rich’s industry knowledge, leadership capability and incredible personal energy will be great assets to Symetra as we pursue new distribution opportunities and leverage the powerful network we already have in place.”

Pat McCormick will report to LaVoice as senior vice president of National Accounts. McCormick will manage the relationships that drive the majority of Symetra’s life and annuity sales, including key bank partners, national brokerages and large general agencies.

About Symetra

Symetra Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA), a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.

Symetra Financial
Diana McSweeney, 425-256-6167
diana.mcsweeney@symetra.com

Source: Symetra Life Insurance Company