The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) honored Bill Lowe, president of Sammons Institutional Group and who also serves on the IRI Board of Directors, as its Industry Champion of Retirement Security.
According to IRI, the Industry Champion of Retirement Security Award recognizes individuals who work to enhance retirement security in the United States.
“Bill is a visionary leader committed to advancing our industry,” said Wayne Chopus, IRI President and CEO. “He is among the longest currently serving IRI Board Members, and his knowledge, experience, and energy have made him a forceful advocate and a vital force in establishing strategic goals for IRI.”
Lowe built Sammons Institutional Group when he joined Sammons Financial Group in 2011. Before joining Sammons Financial Group, Lowe spent 17 years at ING in various leadership roles. In his over 35 years in the financial services industry, he has managed a broker/dealer, and has run 401(k), IRA, and annuity businesses. Lowe has also created and distributed 401(k)s, variable annuities, fixed annuities, life insurance, mutual fund products, and managed accounts.
“I am deeply honored by this award as IRI is a recognized leader in shaping public policy on retirement issues. I have personally benefitted from my association with IRI through professional development and leadership opportunities, advocacy meetings with key individuals on retirement issues, and the chance to build relationships with retirement security industry leaders,” said Lowe. “I am proud of my connection with IRI and am committed to working with the IRI team to help address the challenges of current and future American retirees.”
IRI opens 2023 annual conference to 600 attendees
The award announcement comes as IRI kicked off its 2023 annual conference, delivering insight on the business, technology, political, and regulatory issues in the insured retirement industry to 600 attendees.
In his speech during the welcoming session, IRI President and CEO Wayne Chopus noted recent successes in the industry, including last year’s passage of Secure 2.0. He also listed other objectives within IRI, including the adoption of digital solutions across the annuity lifecycle, and mentioned several partnerships IRI has formed with organizations, including the Coalition for Equity in Wholesaling, EveryIncome, the Financial Alliance on Racial Equity, and other industry trade associations.
“IRI’s annual conference is the premier event for the insured retirement industry,” Chopus said. “We want attendees to leave with a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face and with confidence that we can meet them together.”
The conference is the first among several industry events throughout the next few months. In April, the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) will be hosting its 2023 NAPA 401(k) Summit, aimed at delivering insight to retirement plan advisors on the top 401(k) trends.
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