Cornerstone Group, a West Warwick, Rhode Island, benefits advisory firm, has added Cornerstone Retirement Advisors as a subsidiary.

A news release said the new venture will be run by managing partner Jim Sampson, who has more than 13 years of experience in the retirement plan industry. Sampson most recently served as director of Retirement Services at Telamon Insurance & Financial Network, where he advised more than 90 corporate retirement plans. He was named one of five finalists for the 2008 PLANSPONSOR Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year award (see “James F. Sampson “).

“With the financial markets in turmoil and worried investors concerned about their financial futures, now more than ever it’s critical for companies and their employees to have an advocate on their side,” said Sampson, in the announcement. “It’s time for today’s working Americans to take back control over their retirements and Cornerstone can help them do that.”

Cornerstone Retirement Advisors, a member firm of National Retirement Partners, will advise clients about retirement plans. The firm’s professionals will evaluate a company’s current plan, identify opportunities to maximize plan efficiency, monitor it over the long term and assist employees to take maximum advantage of their plan, the news release said.