Stephen L. Deschenes has been named senior vice president and general manager of financial services firm Sun Life Financial’s annuities division. He will work out of the company’s Wellesley office.

In this role, Deschenes will oversee Sun Life’s annuity business line, working with the company’s marketing, actuarial and distribution units.

Deschenes joins Sun Life from MassMutual Financial Group, where he served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the retirement income group. Prior to joining MassMutual, Deschenes served as executive vice president for Fidelity Investments.

"Steve is a proven leader with a successful 23-year track record in setting strategic direction and driving results in highly competitive markets," said Wes Thompson, president, Sun Life Financial U.S. "The challenging economic environment is increasing consumer awareness of the need for retirement income solutions, and Sun Life is in a unique position to meet Boomers’ evolving needs as they redefine retirement."