Executive Vice President Achim Schwetlick announced the following changes in advanced Markets.
Advanced Markets is an important part of NLG’s business and a key contributor to the growth trajectory we have laid out in the strategic goals for our 175th anniversary in 2023. It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that after a decade of incredible leadership at National Life and a career dedicated to making complex financial concepts easier to understand and act on, Ellen Lehmert will be retiring on April 30th.
Ellen has been leading with a servant leader’s heart and mind since she joined National Life’s Advanced Markets team in 2011. After graduating in the top of her class from Maurice A. Deanne School of Law at Hofstra University, Ellen used her expertise to serve clients and planners at a few different firms, notably serving as Second Vice President of Estate Business and Financial Planning at Guardian Life for 18 years and as a Managing Member at National Advanced Planning Group, LLC.
Over the last four years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside Ellen on my leadership team. The way she navigates complex situations with her breadth of knowledge and calm demeanor is unparalleled. Under Ellen’s leadership, Advanced Markets sales grew even faster than our overall life production helping NLG to establish its position as a key player in the large case market. Ever humble, this growth has been reinforced by Ellen’s commitment to mentoring and developing the team and we can’t thank her enough for her leadership. Ellen, enjoy this next chapter filled with much quality family time!
I am pleased to share that Matt Ryan will be stepping into the leadership role for the Advanced Markets team upon Ellen’s retirement. Matt has partnered closely with Ellen since he joined National Life in 2012 and has been well prepared to take on the leadership and continue our Advanced Markets growth trajectory while being committed to further developing the team. Matt will report to me and join the BIG Leadership Team.
Matt will partner with his teammates Sam Barton, Desiree Day, David Hayward, Louise Peach and Bryan Pritchard to ensure our agents and clients continue to receive top sales support and innovative planning expertise:
- Sam will continue to be our expert on case design for qualified and non-qualified plans
- Desiree will continue to lead our CPA Advantage program, as well as being our premium finance expert
- David will continue to be our guru in our non-qualified executive compensation plans and premium financing
- Louise, the newest member to join the team, will be assisting with our Advanced Markets marketing programs while training on advanced markets concepts
- Bryan will continue to bring expertise in advanced marketing strategies/programs, and to be the expert in qualified plans.
We have commenced a search for an Advanced Markets Attorney position as Tracey Ullom has accepted a position outside of National Life. We want to thank Tracey for her many contributions over the years and wish her well in her next role.
Please join me in congratulating Ellen on her upcoming retirement and Matt on stepping into the role to lead our Advanced Markets team!