MassMutual to Launch New Participant Web Site

MassMutual's Retirement Services Division is introducing a new Web site it says is an "engine for action" for participants striving to plan and save for retirement.

Phase 1 of the RetireSmart participant Web site will be launched in the first quarter of 2011.  The site will capitalize on significant technology investments MassMutual is making; the platform prompts participants to take appropriate steps when it makes the most sense for them and makes it easy for participants to do so in the manner they prefer, the firm announced in a press release.  

Highlights of Phase I include: 

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  • A custom “look and feel,” including the plan sponsor’s logo for consistency with other plan education materials and stronger identification with the employer; 
  • A video game designed to raise retirement awareness in a fun, engaging way; 
  • Shorter, more intuitive menus to help participants find what they need quickly and easily; 
  • “Quick Links” to Plan, Save, Allocate and Consolidate tools so participants can take immediate action while they are focused on a particular behavior; 
  • A search feature that enables enrolled and yet-to-be-enrolled employees (as well as their spouses and family members) to search MassMutual’s RetireSmart Academy by topic, age, life event, level of investment knowledge and other criteria; 
  • An area where plan sponsors can post important information for their participants; and 
  • A participant experience that extends beyond the Web site into social media. 

“These participant Web site enhancements are just the first in a series of upgrades planned to help participants, plan sponsors and advisers successfully manage resources related to their retirement plans,” said Scott Palmer, vice president, MassMutual Retirement Services Systems, in the announcement. 

Northern Trust Names New Head of Fund Services

Northern Trust has appointed Peter Cherecwich as head of Global Fund Services (GFS).

GFS delivers fund administration, investment operations outsourcing and asset servicing solutions to investment management firms across the globe. Cherecwich, who is based in Chicago, replaces Wilson Leech, who has been named CEO for Northern Trust’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. 

In addition to his new role leading the GFS group, Cherecwich will maintain his responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Northern Trust’s Corporate & Institutional Services division.   

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According to a press release, Northern Trust has also created three new regional roles within GFS. Toby Glaysher has been named head of GFS for Ireland, Luxembourg and the UK; Jennifer Driscoll has been appointed head of GFS for the Asia-Pacific region in addition to COO for GFS; and Dan Houlihan will assume responsibility for the Americas. Vic Holmes continues to be responsible for the Channel Islands.   

All have experience working with Northern Trust’s GFS clients across the globe, the announcement said.

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