Equitable President Nick Lane was honored as the 2025 recipient of the “Industry Champion of Retirement Security Award” from the Insured Retirement Institute during the IRI annual conference in Tampa on Wednesday.
“This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to advancing retirement security and advocating for policies that empower Americans to build a strong financial future.”
Equitable President Nick Lane
IRI’s Industry Champion of Retirement Security Award recognizes individuals who work to enhance retirement security in the United States. The award is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstratedleadership to advance IRI-supported public policies through advocacy, communications, education, and other initiatives that help Americans plan for and save for their retirement years.
“Nick Lane exemplifies the leadership, vision, and dedication to retirement security that this award represents,” said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO of IRI. “Through his advocacy, innovation, and deep commitment to expanding access to retirement solutions, Nick has helped millions of Americans plan for a financially secure future. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions and celebrate his impact on our industry.”
Lane currently serves as the president of Equitable, leading the company’s retirement, wealth management and protection solutions businesses, along with its marketing functions. During his nearly 20-year tenure with the company, he has strengthened its position in the retirement industry and fostered a more secure and innovative environment for retirees. He has expanded the company’s market reach and helped develop the first registered index-linked annuity (RILA) product, a groundbreaking innovation that has helped shaped the future of retirement planning. RILAs have been among the industry’s fastest-growing products in recent years, offering secure retirement income and a level of protection against market volatility.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 IRI Industry Champion of Retirement Security,” Lane said. “With a record 11,000 Americans turning 65 every day, at Equitable, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that help people achieve financial well-being and retire with confidence. This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to advancing retirement security and advocating for policies that empower Americans to build a strong financial future. I look forward to continuing our work to drive meaningful change for retirees, our industry, and the communities we serve.”
Lane has long championed lifetime income options within workplace retirement plans, pioneering Equitable’s first in-plan guarantee solution with AllianceBernstein more than a decade ago. He also continued to grow the company’s position as the top provider of retirement plans for K-12 educators, which today serves nearly 900,000 educators across the country. Lane also increased the company’s reach into underserved segments and developed tailored solutions to meet diverse client needs. Most recently, he supported the development of a new 401(k) pooled employer plan offering, designed to expand access to workplace retirement plans for small businesses and their employees, a historically underserved market.
Lane also serves on the Board of Directors for AllianceBernstein. Additionally, he has held leadership roles with key professional organizations to advocate for increased access to retirement solutions for all Americans. He currently serves on the Board of the American Council of Life Insurers, and previously served as the chairman of IRI’s Board of Directors and as a board member for LIMRA.
His advocacy efforts have been equally impactful. He has worked tirelessly to expand access to retirement solutions and testified before Congress to educate policymakers on the importance of secure retirement and lifetime income for Americans.
Beyond advocacy and innovation, Lane has championed the integration of technology to enhance the customer experience, making retirement planning more personalized and accessible. His efforts have empowered clients with digital tools and data-driven insights, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate their financial futures with confidence.
IRI created the Champion of Retirement Security Award in 2013 to recognize policymakers who have contributed significantly to advancing ideas and policies that enhance retirement security for all Americans. IRI expanded the program to acknowledge private-sector individuals who have made valuable contributions toward expanding retirement security.
Price Earns IRI Leadership Award
Also during IRI’s annual conference Wednesday, Arron Price, Chief Operating Officer, Financial Independence Group (FIG), was honored with the association’s 2025 Leadership Award.
The award recognizes industry leaders who have made exemplary contributions to advancing IRI’s strategic pillars, including advocacy, operations and technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and member engagement.
“Arron Price exemplifies the innovation and commitment that drive meaningful advancements in the insured retirement industry,” said IRI’s Chopus. “His leadership and vision have played a crucial role in fostering collaboration, enhancing communication, and driving operational efficiency across the industry. We are honored to recognize his contributions with the IRI Leadership Award.”
In the two and a half years since Price began participating in IRI activities, he has emerged as a key leader in IRI’s Digital First for Annuities initiative. His strategic guidance has played a critical role in shaping the direction of the industry’s digital transformation and improving the overall efficiency of the annuity ecosystem.
“Arron Price exemplifies the innovation and commitment that drive meaningful advancements in the insured retirement industry.”
IRI’s Wayne Chopus
Price has worked to bridge the gap with independent distribution, ensuring that the broader needs and concerns of the independent channel are effectively addressed alongside those of the broker-dealer and RIA communities. His efforts have made a lasting impact on the way financial professionals, distributors, and carriers interact, leading to measurable progress in simplifying processes.
Price has also led efforts to implement industry-wide digital solutions such as activity status and is driving carriers to adopt paperless replacements, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring alignment among stakeholders.
Price’s contributions have been widely acknowledged by his peers, leading to several committee leadership positions within the IRI Operations and Technology community. His ability to bring together diverse perspectives and navigate complex challenges has positioned him as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of the annuity industry.
“Arron’s leadership in IRI’s Digital First for Annuities initiative reflect the values we seek to recognize and promote with this award,” Chopus said. “We celebrate his achievement and look forward to his continued participation in this critical industry modernization effort.”
SEE ALSO:
• Equitable Launches 401(k) PEP
• IRI Reveals Top Retirement Legislation Priorities for 2025
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
