Two industry veterans have joined Springfield-based MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division.

George Sutherland and Scott Buffington were hired to support the company’s growth strategy through distribution channels in MassMutual’s defined contribution and Taft-Hartley businesses, according to the company.

Sutherland has been appointed division sales manager, institutional sales, for the Southeast region, reporting to Hugh O’Toole.

Sutherland replaced Stan Label who was previously named national sales manager for MassMutual’s subsidiary, The First Mercantile Trust Co., based in Memphis, Tenn.

Sutherland joined MassMutual from Wachovia Retirement Services and brings more than 25 years of retirement services experience to his new position including senior roles at MFS Investment Services and Putnam Investments. He is based in the Asheville, N.C.

Buffington has been named national sales manager for MassMutual’s Taft-Hartley market segment reporting to Hugh O’Toole.

Buffington brings more than 16 years of experience in the retirement services business to his new role, including 13 years as a leader within Putnam Investments’ Taft-Hartley defined contribution business where he was responsible for sales and intermediary relationship management for that market. He is based in Boston.