MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has promotied John Budd and named Brian Mezey to its sales and client management organization, led by Hugh O’Toole, senior vice president.

Budd has been appointed national practice leader covering the division’s institutional retirement products. In this newly created role, Budd is responsible for leading MassMutual’s distribution strategy for its stable value investment only and defined benefit businesses, working closely with the division’s managing directors and their key advisor relationships.

Most recently, Budd had served as managing director with MassMutual Retirement Services, a position he held for over 24 years. Budd reports to Jonathan Shuman, vice president and head of business development for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division.

Mezey joined MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division as managing director of institutional sales, taking over Budd’s duties. In this role, Mezey is responsible for working with retirement plan advisors in the mid- and large-markets, and is partnered with Andy Hanlon covering the eastern New England region.

Mezey joins MassMutual from E&M Consulting of Raymond James & Assoc. Inc., where he was a top retirement plan advisor and a member of MassMutual’s Advisor Partners Council. Mezey reports to Scott Buffington, national sales manager for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division.

"John is highly regarded in the New England territory and has built strong relationships with retirement plan advisors and sponsors over the years," said O’Toole. "We’re very excited to see John transition into his new role and to welcome a candidate of Brian’s caliber to continue the outstanding service to this territory. These changes come as a result of strong results in both the stable value investment only and defined benefit businesses, and we will continue to grow our sales and client management organization to ensure exceptional support in all the markets we serve."