The Standard Names New National Retirement Plan Sales Director

The Standard on Tuesday announced the hire of Michael Teigland to a new role as national accounts sales director for retirement plans to head of a growing sales team.

Teigland joins with 18 years of experience in the retirement plan and financial services industry, including his most recent roles in retirement plan sales at RBC Wealth Management and Principal Financial Group. He will report to Patrick Bushlack, director of business development.

Michael Teigland

The Standard makes the hire a little more than one year after closing on its acquisition of Securian Financial Group Inc.’s recordkeeping business, which at the time was comprised of $17 billion of assets under administration, to join up with the Standard’s $29.3 billion in AUA. The Portland, Oregon-based firm introduced seven new retirement-related products and services last summer, including a pooled employer plan offering and new financial wellness resources for participants.

“The Standard’s acquisition of Securian’s recordkeeping business, along with changes in the retirement plan landscape, have created growth opportunities with new firms and geographies,” Bushlack said via email. “Our entire sales team is growing to align with The Standard’s opportunity to meet the needs of the market.”

Teigland will work with sales teams to leverage “significant increase in demand” for “innovative solutions including pooled employer plans and managed accounts,” according to the announcement.

“Michael is an experienced leader with an impressive track record of assisting adviser partners through business plan development and relationship management,” Bushlack said.

The Standard’s business includes retirement plan recordkeeping, annuities for employers and individuals, and group life, dental and vision insurance.