Doug Kublin

PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and how you contribute to its growth and progress. How did you end up there?

Kublin: I was introduced to the value of workplace retirement plans at a young age. Both of my grandmothers, now in their mid-90s, were able to retire with dignity because of strong retirement benefits. That early perspective shaped how I view my work, not just as financial planning, but as a path to long-term security. After retiring from professional ice hockey, I began my career as an intern with a plan administration firm, which gave me exposure to the operational side of the retirement industry. I later moved into sales, but it wasn’t until I joined Marsh McLennan Agency in 2017 that I found my fit in a role focused on advising and building client relationships. As a senior consultant in our Northeast region, I serve as the primary contact for our larger clients. I lead plan sponsor committee meetings covering investments, fees, participant outcomes, fiduciary responsibilities, RFPs and more. I also mentor new consultants, playing a key role in sustaining our team’s growth, as our practice has doubled in size over the last five years. I also founded and chair our 3(16) due diligence committee and co-chair the recordkeeping committee, which focuses on strengthening our advisory process and recordkeeping relationships. My main focus as a senior consultant is to help clients reduce their fiduciary risk and help deliver better retirement outcomes for their employees.

PLANADVISER: How do you define success in your role?

Kublin: To me, success is defined by client retention. While acquiring new clients is important, retaining existing ones is five times more cost effective and a true measure of lasting value. My personal caseload reflects a strong retention rate of 96%, which I attribute to consistently exceeding client expectations. In a competitive industry, sustained success comes from continuous innovation and team collaboration. What sets us apart today can quickly become tomorrow’s baseline. That’s why our value proposition has evolved to include strategic HR outsourcing, cost efficiency, flexible investment options, improved participant outcomes and comprehensive financial education. When engaging with plan sponsors and participants, my focus is simple: build trust and deliver clear, actionable insights.

PLANADVISER: What have you done that you are most proud of at work? Personally?

Kublin: I am deeply appreciative of the company I work for. MMA is consistently recognized as one of the top firms in the industry from both a client perspective and as a workplace. I take immense pride in my work, and that is a direct reflection of the supportive and high-performing environment MMA fosters. Professionally, I’m proud of the client retention and participant outcomes I’ve been able to achieve. The work we do and the relationships we nurture in this industry matter, and I know that I am making a difference. I’m grateful for the trust MMA has placed in me to manage large, complex plans. I’ve worked hard to earn the confidence of both clients and internal leadership, and I take that responsibility seriously. Most importantly, I’m proud to be a father to my 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. Every day with them is an adventure, and I cherish every moment. I’m mindful of the example I set for them, in professional ethics, hard work, accountability, continuous learning and positive social environment. I’m grateful that Marsh McLennan Agency supports and aligns with my values.