Deals & People December 16, 2009

Newport Names Head of Financial Institution Services

The Newport Group has appointed Ann Ennis to the position of vice president, Financial Institution Services.

Reported by

In this newly created role, Ennis will build on Newport’s presence in the bank and financial institution marketplace, leading all aspects of this business segment, according to the company. She will expand Newport’s distribution by leveraging existing intermediary relationships and developing new channels and relationships.

Additionally, Ennis will oversee Newport’s BOLI (bank-owned life insurance) client development and administrative support units.

Most recently, Ennis served as national executive benefits director with Great-West Life, where she was responsible for BOLI and corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) product sales, the company said. She held a similar role with Prudential, and has worked with a number of other firms, including New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, and Clark Consulting.

Deals & People December 16, 2009

Clark Consulting Adjusts Staff to Enhance Executive Benefits Solutions

Clark Consulting, Inc., has announced executive promotions and hires designed to help the company improve services in the fields of executive benefits and strategic financing solutions, such as business-owned life insurance (BOLI).

Reported by

The executive appointments are:

  • Michael Goldstein as senior vice president and national director for Strategic Development;
  • Richard Melnick as national director, financial institutions;
  • Brian Katz as vice president of Market Strategy and Development; and
  • Anthony Laudato as vice president of Product Development and Innovation.

According to the announcement, Goldstein will focus primarily on exploring new channels of distribution for Clark Consulting services and developing strategic partnerships with financial service companies whose clients can benefit from Clark Consulting programs. Goldstein was previously with The Newport Group.

Melnick will concentrate on fostering Clark Consulting’s relationships with banks as well as developing new relationships at large financial institutions. Katz’s department is spearheading efforts at building the Clark Consulting brand and expanding market opportunities, while Laudato is leading the development of new products and services to reach those markets.

“The emphasis at Clark Consulting is on developing new markets through new services and new outlets for existing and new services,” said Kurt Laning, president of Clark Consulting, in the announcement.

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