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Ascensus Strengthens Leadership Team for Retirement Services

Ascensus, a key player in America’s savings ecosystem, has announced enhancements to its Retirement leadership team with the onboarding of Ryan Franken and Tim Lastivka. Their appointments are pivotal in Ascensus' strategy to bolster sales leadership and improve client outcomes as the company gears up for accelerated growth in the retirement services sector.

Aiming for Growth and Improved Client Outcomes

The objective behind these significant leadership changes is clear: to align Ascensus’ capabilities and investments with the evolving needs of clients, advisors, and third-party administrators (TPAs). As Dan Morrison, President of Retirement at Ascensus, stated, “As we advance our purpose of helping more savers save more, we are focused on aligning the right leadership.”

Ryan Franken, now heading Core Retirement, joins with over 20 years of experience in sales, distribution, and relationship management. Before Ascensus, he served as National Sales Manager for Institutional Markets at Transamerica Retirement Solutions, showcasing his extensive expertise in driving results and managing teams.

Tim Lastivka, transitioning into the role of Vice President, National Sales Leader, brings a wealth of knowledge from his prior roles, including a significant position at the largest independent TPA firm. He is recognized for his ability to lead teams and generate scalable growth in the defined contribution market.

A Comprehensive Structure to Drive Results

Ascensus organizes its Retirement business into four distinctive segments, each led by a dedicated expert, ensuring that all areas are primed for robust performance.

• - The Core Retirement segment, under Franken’s guidance, represents Ascensus’ flagship defined contribution products.
• - The Small Business segment, focused on CoPilot 401(k) and various plans, is led by Mary Torgerson.
• - Retirement Products & Solutions, catering specifically to banks and credit unions, is steered by Anna Johnson.
• - Partner Solutions, which manages private-label partnerships, is temporarily led by Rick Irace.

This well-structured approach is anticipated to heighten both internal efficiencies and external customer satisfaction.

Expanding Capabilities through Strategic Acquisitions

The recent flurry of activity at Ascensus includes not only the leadership appointments but also a definitive agreement to acquire AmericanTCS, which is set to enhance their capabilities in pooled employer plans (PEPs) and fiduciary services. This strategic move reflects Ascensus’ ongoing commitment to expanding its service offerings and meeting diverse customer needs. Morrison anticipates the positive impact of this acquisition on both operations and customer engagement, saying, “Together with our continued investments in intuitive, digital-first experiences… we are making it easier for clients and savers to engage and achieve stronger outcomes.”

Conclusion

Ascensus’ recent leadership enhancements and strategic acquisitions highlight its commitment to strengthening its position in the retirement market. With an emphasis on growth and improved client relations, Ascensus stands poised to enhance the overall savings experience for millions of Americans. The firm remains dedicated to making saving easier and more accessible through intuitive technology and comprehensive support, affirming its role as a pivotal player within the U.S. savings ecosystem.