LIMRA is pleased to announce the winners our contest to recognize this year’s Rising Stars of Distribution under 40 in the financial services industry. The contest searched for dedicated up-and-comers individuals who are making a difference in Distribution. Learn more about the winners below.
Director of Specialty Markets
Lincoln Financial Group
“Under Katie’s leadership, Lincoln Specialty Markets Life Insurance channel has experienced a double-digit 3-year sales compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and now represents nearly 25 percent of Lincoln’s total life sales.” – excerpt from nomination
Regional Broker Manager, Northeast
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company
“Michael created a "Broker Sales Rep Development System" that is currently being expanded nationwide within Colonial Life. This innovation will have a profound impact on Colonial's distribution efforts for years to come.” – excerpt from nomination
Director of Agency Recruiting & Development
COUNTRY Financial
“As manager and later director of COUNTRY's customer service functions, Jesse was instrumental in the total transformation of our service functions, including new technology platforms, the addition of chat and knowledge management functions, and recruiting, training and metrics improvements.” – excerpt from nomination
Sales Manager
Sanlam Life Ltd
“Leon continuously strives to build authentic relationships in order to earn the trust of various advisers and other key role-players within the Sanlam Sky distribution channel. With his innovative mindset, he has implemented new systems within the Sanlam structure and has enhanced existing systems to streamline processes and provide effective advice.” – excerpt from nomination
Tools & Technology Leader, Sales
Combined Insurance, A Chubb Company
“Lindsey manages the entire mobile sales platform. The platform houses all the combined sales tools, which include: eApplications, eLeads, eBilling Actions, agent Daily Reports, and more. These tools have not only aided in increased revenue and decreased costs (~500k per year), but they also have increased speed to issue of business and streamlined the sales process.” – excerpt from nomination
Regional General Manager
Sanlam Life Ltd
“Sipho implemented a Quality Management Plan in one of the regions and improved retention of business by 12 percent in one year. He was also involved heading up strategic business projects, such as Sanlam Core Solution, which is an active business producing channel within Sanlam.” – excerpt from nomination
Senior Director, Head of Sales - Preferred Client Partners Group
AXA Equitable Life
“In Chris’s current role as head of sales for AXA, he leads recruiting, training and development and the sales strategy in our two remote advice US locations. He is a strategic thinker and tackles challenges thoughtfully and methodically. Chris shares the purpose and strategic priorities with ease and frequency, so others understand our focus on client retention, advisor productivity and sales.” – excerpt from nomination
DRM Sales Enablement
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
“Cole has collaborated with teams across distribution to understand what information they need so that those teams can be more targeted in their approach to potential clients. Cole integrates valuable broker-dealer intelligence into Allianz Life’s CRM system so that the sales teams and marketing can be more targeted in its approaches.” – excerpt from nomination
Senior Director, Sales Support
AXA Equitable Life
“Sarah is integral in connecting different areas of the AXA organization in order to optimize the customer experience and our distribution. She has built and taught award-winning programs to thousands of financial professionals. She believes and teaches teams how to win the hearts and minds of our customers.” – excerpt from nomination
Assistant Vice President, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Distribution
Lincoln Financial Group
“Paul effectively manages a growing team for Lincoln Financial Group in the RIA channel. Under his leadership, the producer headcount in this channel grew by 145 percent in 2018, and organic growth allowed Lincoln to increase its number of wholesalers by 20 percent -- including two new internal wholesaler resources and a dedicated relationship manager.” – excerpt from nomination.