MassMutual bolsters leadership team | Insurance Business America

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company announced that company veterans Paul LaPiana and Dominic Blue will join the executive leadership team.

LaPiana was named head of brand, product and affiliate distribution, while Blue was named head of third-party distribution and markets. Appointments start on Thursday. LaPiana and Blue will report to Roger Crandall, chairman, president and CEO of MassMutual.

The promotions come as Mike Fanning, head of MassMutual US, prepares to retire after 17 years with the company.

In his new role, LaPiana will oversee MassMutual’s core distribution channel, MassMutual Financial Advisors, as well as manage the company’s portfolio of wealth management and protection products and services. He also has responsibility for managing MassMutual’s brand and marketing strategy.

As head of third-party distribution and new markets, Blue will lead an organization that includes MassMutual’s third-party, worksite, direct-to-consumer and new market efforts. He will also become CEO of MassMutual Ascend, while Mark Muething will continue in his role as president of MassMutual Ascend.

“Paul and Dominic each bring extensive leadership experience in areas critical to MassMutual’s growth, a relentless focus on delivering long-term financial security and value to our shareholders. of policy, and a collaborative, inclusive approach to implementing our strategy,” Crandall said. “Now, as part of MassMutual’s executive leadership team, they will bring all these qualities to bear as we accelerate our efforts to help more people secure their futures and protect the ones they love.”

LaPiana has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. He has served as MassMutual’s head of product since 2019. He joined the company in 2016 from MetLife after MassMutual acquired MetLife Premier Client Group. LaPiana began his career in financial services at AXA/Equitable.

Blue joined MassMutual in 2011 as assistant general counsel. He most recently served as head of third party and direct to consumer, and also served as head of corporate law, head of workplace innovation and head of strategic planning and delivery.

The industry veteran retired

Fanning retired after a 37-year career in the financial services industry, nearly half of which was spent at MassMutual.

During his tenure as head of domestic insurance at MassMutual, the company more than doubled its force protection to $950 billion while paying out more than $65 billion in benefits. It has also become one of the leading providers of whole life insurance and has paid an industry-leading dividend to policyholders for 17 consecutive years.

Under Fanning’s tenure, the company also expanded its network of financial professional associates and became one of the leading annuity providers in the US.

“As we welcome Paul and Dominic to our executive leadership team, we express our deepest gratitude to Mike for his lasting contributions that have helped MassMutual become the industry leader it is today,” said Crandall. “Mike has led an unprecedented period of growth and transformation for the company, all spent ensuring that every day, MassMutual’s policyholders are at the center of everything we do. It Mike’s most lasting legacy, and we wish him well in a well-deserved retirement.

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