ING Retirement’s CEO Departs for State Job

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has named Catherine Smith, CEO of ING Retirement Services, as head of the state's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of ING U.S. Retirement Services, a position she’s held since 2008, Smith has worked for ING for 10 years. In her capacity as CEO, Smith managed 3,000 employees and had oversight of sales, marketing, operations, customer service, product development, risk management and finance.

“For far too long, DECD has been too insular and not welcoming enough to potential businesses who wish to locate or expand here. That stops now,” Malloy said in a statement. “Catherine’s business acumen, her knowledge of Connecticut, and her passion to grow and expand business opportunities here made her selection a no-brainer.”

Prior to this position at ING, Smith served in several other capacities at ING, including in its  retail and insurance groups. While working at Aetna from 1983 through 2000, Smith worked in a variety of areas, including investment management, corporate planning, health plans, investor relations and financial services.

Smith graduated from Hampshire College and received her Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University.

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