Springfield’s MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has appointed Shefali Desai to serve as national sales leader of emerging markets.
In this position, Desai is responsible for leading the division’s 15 sales directors as well as Third-Party Administrator (TPA) channel managers targeting small market retirement plans. Within their local markets, these sales directors, focused on the small plan market, partner with the division’s institutional sales force that is focused on opportunities in the mid and large plan markets. Desai reports to Scott Buffington, national sales manager for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division.
Desai first joined MassMutual in 1999 and held a number of key management roles in the company’s retirement business, with experience in the annuity and trust businesses as well as management of the participant experience through the asset retention, call center and enrollment specialist functions. From 2005 to 2009, Desai led the Career Agency System (CAS) and TPA channels of the retirement business. Prior to joining MassMutual, she spent nine years with Fidelity Investments.
"We are very excited to welcome Shefali back as a member of our sales management team," said Hugh O’Toole, senior vice president of sales and client management for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division. "Shefali brings with her an extensive background in sales and leadership with exceptional strength in serving the small plan market. Her expertise in these areas is recognized and valued by MassMutual and the distribution partners and plan sponsors we serve."
MassMutual recently introduced its Mesirow Fiduciary Partnership Service as well as new investment options that provide additional pricing flexibility in the small plan market. "MassMutual’s diverse product lineup, which includes registered, group annuity and collective investment trust offerings along with enhanced pricing flexibility, has been extremely well received by advisors and third-party administrators.
"MassMutual’s financial strength, focus on service, and long-standing commitment to the advisor sold market are a winning combination," said Desai. "I’m looking forward to contributing to another record sales year for MassMutual."
