IRI ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR, VICE CHAIR

At-Large Executive Committee Members Appointed

TAMPA, FLORIDA - The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced its new Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee appointments.

Rob Jameison, Senior Vice President and Head of Insurance, DCIO & BD Investments at Fidelity Investments, has been named Board Chair. Steve Scanlon, Managing Director and Head of Individual Retirement at Equitable, has been named Vice Chair.

Five members of the IRI Executive Committee were also re-appointed: John Kennedy, Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Bill Lowe, Sammons Institutional Group, Laura Pantaleo, J.P. Morgan

Phillip Pellegrino, UBS Financial Services, Inc., and Joseph Toledano, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

Jameison succeeds Corey Walther, President of Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, who becomes the immediate past chair and remains on the IRI Executive Committee. Terry Fiedler, President, Retirement Services, Corebridge Financial, will continue as Treasurer-Secretary.

"Rob brings a wealth of leadership and industry experience to the IRI Board Chair role at a very critical juncture for our industry," said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO, IRI. "Between Peak 65 retirements now underway and today's workers shouldering more responsibility for retirement saving and planning, our industry is needed more than ever to help Americans achieve a secure and dignified retirement. I am excited to work with Rob and the Board as we lead the industry to meet these challenges."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair of the IRI board and for the confidence of my fellow board members," Jameison said. "Having served on the board since 2017, I've seen firsthand how the organization has strengthened its brand, financial foundation, and industry impact under Wayne Chopus' leadership. I look forward to supporting Wayne and the team as IRI continues to deliver meaningful advocacy and leadership for our members."

Chopus also thanked Walther for his leadership as Board Chair. "IRI has greatly benefited from Corey's stewardship over the past year. He dedicated significant time and effort to lead the IRI Board and positioned IRI for continued success. IRI made substantial progress on our Digital First for Annuities initiative, and our reputation as the authoritative industry voice before federal and state policymakers is stronger than ever. He worked very hard to expand participation in IRI's political action committee, supporting our bipartisan engagement on Capitol Hill. I'm deeply grateful for his service."

"Serving as board chair has been an incredible experience at a time when managing risk in retirement has never been more critical," Walther said. "I'm proud of the progress we've made together to strengthen our industry so it can help more Americans achieve financial security. It has been an honor to collaborate with our board, members, and leadership team to reinforce the association's role as a leading voice for insured retirement solutions. I'm confident the momentum we've built will continue."

"IRI's strength is reflected in the caliber and commitment of our Board of Directors," said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO, IRI. "Their leadership and engagement are essential to our work, and their willingness to devote their time and expertise makes a meaningful difference to advance our shared mission. I deeply appreciate their continued support and partnership."

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