MassMutual Announces Executive Promotions

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced that the company's Board of Directors has approved a number of executive promotions, effective April 1.  

"All of these individuals have outstanding track records of leadership, and these promotions are a reflection of their significant past accomplishments and growth as senior leaders in our organization," said Roger W. Crandall, President and CEO, MassMutual.  "By placing a strong commitment on both employee development and succession planning, we feel we have built the most talented and dedicated executive team and workforce in the industry.  We look forward to continuing to put that talent to work for the benefit of our policyholders and clients."

The following individuals were promoted to executive vice president from senior vice president.

Robert Casale, Chief Information Officer.  Mr. Casale is accountable for enterprise-wide technology operations, corporate solutions delivery, data management, information and cyber security, continuity planning and overall governance of the information technology development process, as well as oversight of information technology at MassMutual's subsidiaries.  Under his direction, the company has implemented a streamlined, efficient organizational structure, continued delivery of the company's modernization programs, maintained superior production operations, and enhanced the strategic focus of the company's Information Technology division.  Mr. Casale first joined MassMutual in 1995.

Debra Palermino, Human Resources.  Ms. Palermino joined MassMutual in 2006 to lead the company's Human Resources division and is responsible for HR strategy and policies, staffing, total rewards, employee relations, succession planning, talent development, diversity and business consulting.  Under her direction, the company has successfully implemented a new performance management process, introduced initiatives to provide employees with tools to manage personal health and financial well-being, and established a robust succession planning process.

The following individuals were promoted to senior vice president from corporate vice president.

David Allen, Deputy General Counsel, Law.  Mr. Allen is responsible for the company's dispute resolution function and all legal aspects of its company tax function.  He has been with MassMutual since 2000.

John Deitelbaum, Deputy General Counsel, Law.  Mr. Deitelbaum is responsible for the legal functions supporting the company's U.S. Insurance Group and Retirement Services businesses.  He joined MassMutual in 1996.

Bill Silvanic, Finance and Target Markets, Retirement Services.  Mr. Silvanic is responsible for strategic planning, pricing, financial reporting and risk management, as well as leading the Retirement Services division's defined benefit and professional employer organization businesses.  He has been with MassMutual since 2003.

Norm Smith, Corporate Financial.  Mr. Smith has served as the Controller in the company's Corporate Financial division since 2004.  In this role, he has responsibility for the company's financial and investment reporting, accounting policy and financial systems.  He joined MassMutual in 2000.

Trish Walsh, Deputy General Counsel, Law.  Ms. Walsh serves as general counsel at Babson Capital Management LLC, a MassMutual subsidiary, where she is responsible for the company's overall legal management and strategy.  In addition, she is responsible for legal support for MassMutual's investment activities.  She has been with MassMutual since 2002.

Eric Wietsma, Investment Services, Retirement Services.  As head of the Investment Services function in the company's Retirement Services business, Mr. Wietsma is responsible for investment strategy, research, product development, reporting and treasury operations.  He joined MassMutual in 2005.  

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

SOURCE MassMutual Financial Group