Sammons Financial Group Announces New Vice President of Annuity Product Development
WEST DES MOINES, IA - Oct. 9, 2018 — Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. (SFG) is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Jill Esser as vice president, annuity product development. Esser will be responsible for all aspects of the fixed and fixed indexed annuity product development and pricing, working with both Sammons Independent Annuity Group and Sammons Institutional Group.
“Jill is a well-versed professional with a proven track record of successfully leading initiatives,” said Rob TeKolste, president, Sammons Independent Annuity Group. “Her extensive knowledge in all aspects of product development will bring great value to our organization.”
In her new role, Esser will be responsible for engaging with key internal and external stakeholders to proactively identify new fixed annuity products, enhancements, and services that will meet customer needs and the company’s standards for profitability and risk. She will collaborate with SFG’s product implementation, sales, marketing, and legal teams as she leads the development process from the ideation phase through final implementation.
Prior to joining SFG, Esser was vice president, product development for Athene, leading retail product development for multiple distribution channels, including independent marketing organizations (IMO) and financial institutions. She is a fellow in the Society of Actuaries, and a member of the Academy of Actuaries. Since 2016, Esser has served as an officer of the Iowa Actuaries and is currently the club’s president. Esser received her Bachelor of Science degree in statistics from Iowa State University.
About Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.
The companies of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. help families and businesses protect their future to enjoy life’s moments today. A subsidiary of Sammons Enterprises, Inc., Sammons Financial Group is privately owned with member companies that are among the most enduring and stable in the financial services industry. Our companies include Midland National® Life Insurance Company (including Sammons® Corporate Markets); North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®; and Sammons Institutional GroupSM (including Midland Retirement Distributors® and Sammons Retirement Solutions®). Together, we offer today’s most sought-after life insurance, annuity, and retirement planning products. Sammons Financial Group: With You for Every Moment®.