MassMutual Announces Executive Leadership Changes

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), today announced a realignment of his executive leadership team, designed to accelerate the company's strong strategic momentum, build on our leading financial strength and continue to deliver consistent value to our policyowners.

"These important leadership changes at MassMutual demonstrate the depth of experience, knowledge and leadership skills of our executive team, as well as the ability to quickly flex with the aim of better positioning our organization to accelerate our already industry-leading growth," said Mr. Crandall.  "I am confident that these moves combine the right talent, leadership and innovative foresight to take our organization forward and help us continue to fulfill our purpose to help people secure their future and protect the ones they love."

The changes, which are effective Feb. 1, include the following senior executives, all of whom report directly to Mr. Crandall:

• Mark Roellig has been appointed Chief Technology & Administrative Officer, leading the organization responsible for the technological and physical infrastructure that supports MassMutual's ongoing business and enterprise goals.  In his new position, Roellig will have direct accountability for the management and oversight of information technology systems and architecture at MassMutual, advancing the role technology plays as a strategic driver of our business success.  Additionally, he will continue to be responsible for the corporate administration, real estate and facilities functions.  Roellig has been General Counsel of MassMutual since joining the company in 2005.
  
  
• Michael O'Connor will become General Counsel of MassMutual.  O'Connor will provide leadership across all legal, compliance, government relations and corporate governance matters. Additionally, he will be responsible for administration of the internal audit and corporate compliance functions.  O'Connor joined MassMutual in 2005, and in 2008, assumed responsibility for the Corporate Law and Government Relations team.  Since that time he has led MassMutual's corporate development function, served as President of MassMutual's international insurance businesses and – most recently – led the work associated with last year's MetLife Premier Client Group acquisition and integration. 
  
  
• Eddie Ahmed has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MassMutual International LLC and will be based in Asia.  Ahmed, who joined MassMutual in 2015 as head of Human Resources, has more than 20 years of global financial services and leadership experience. Before coming to MassMutual, he served with Citigroup, Inc., where he was Managing Director and Head of Human Resources for Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as the Global Head of Recruitment for the firm.  Ahmed began his career at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley in New York, Tokyo, Sydney and Hong Kong. 

• Susan Ciccowill succeed Ahmed as Chief Human Resources Officer, providing leadership across all employee matters, including compensation and benefits, diversity and inclusion, as well as talent recruiting, development and learning. She will also continue to be responsible for employee communications and media relations.  During her nearly 25 years at MassMutual, Cicco has served within insurance operations, strategy and corporate development, the financial products business and, most recently, as Chief of Staff to the CEO and head of communications.

In addition to these changes, Michael Fanning, Head of MassMutual US, announced that Teresa Hassara has been named to head the company's Workplace Solutions business, which partners with intermediaries to deliver workplace benefits – from retirement plans to voluntary protection offerings – through employers across the country. 

Hassara comes to MassMutual from TIAA, where she was President of the Institutional Retirement Business and a member of its Corporate Executive Management Team, managing more than half a trillion dollars in retirement plan assets.  Hassara, who will report directly to Fanning, succeeds Eric Wietsma in her new role.  Mr. Wietsma will continue as part of Fanning's leadership team as head of MassMutual's Retirement Operations organization.

About MassMutual
MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives.

Contact: 
Jim Lacey
413-744-2365 
jlacey@massmutual.com     

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SOURCE MassMutual Financial Group