Retirement Industry People Moves

Sullo Joins Earth Finance Climate Investing Practice

Jennifer Sullo

Earth Finance Inc., a corporate strategy and climate investing firm, announced the appointment of Jennifer Sullo as managing director of asset management and investing solutions.

Sullo will be responsible for delivering investment innovation and driving the firm’s growth trajectory. She joins Earth Finance from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where she was head of global sustainable strategy, product development and partnerships.

“The team at Earth Finance understands that investors should consider the effects of climate change within their investments—both from a risk and an opportunity perspective,” said Sullo in a statement. “I am energized to be working with a team of experts who are dedicated to solutions that help clients achieve their investment goals and, simultaneously, their ambitious climate goals.”

J.P. Morgan Announces Bell as Partner in Sustainable Growth Equity Team

Alex Bell

J.P. Morgan Private Capital appointed Alex Bell as a partner in its Sustainable Growth Equity platform.

He will support the platform’s climate solutions investing efforts. SGE was established in 2021, as J.P. Morgan Chase pledged more than $2.5 trillion to advance sustainable development over 10 years. 

Bell brings almost two decades of private equity experience, with a focus on energy and climate technology. He was previously head of North American climate private equity at Tikehau Capital.

“I’ve known Alex for nearly two decades and he is a pragmatic, values-driven investor who brings years of multi-asset class sustainable investing experience to the team,” said Tanya Barnes, managing partner of SGE at J.P. Morgan Private Capital, in a statement. 

Prudential Names Grimes Head of Group Insurance Underwriting

Kent Grimes

Prudential has named Kent Grimes head of group insurance underwriting.

Grimes will lead the overall underwriting strategy and execution for Prudential Group Insurance, with a focus on modernizing the company’s underwriting processes and underlying technology.

Grimes has extensive experience in technology implementations that will serve the insurer’s plans to improve its underwriting capabilities. He joins Prudential from Reliance Standard in Philadelphia, where he served as vice president of underwriting.

“Under Kent’s leadership, we will be investing in technology and tools that enable our underwriting team to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently,” said Mike Estep, head of product in Prudential’s group insurance division, in a statement.

Dynamic Announces Asset Management Promotions

Lucas Felbel

Konstantin Etus

Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC announced the promotion of Konstantin Etus to CIO and Lucas Felbel to director of portfolio services.

 “I want to recognize and congratulate Kostya and Lucas for the significant strides Dynamic has made during the past 18 months to refine our foundation, build our team, develop our strategies and improve our operational capabilities,” said Jim Cannon, Dynamic’s CEO, in an internal announcement.

Etus previously served as head of strategy, overseeing investment management at Dynamic. He also led the expansion of Dynamic’s platform to include alternatives and custom high-net-worth solutions.

Felbel was manager of portfolio services, overseeing process and service experience improvements, as well as an expansion of the team’s portfolio management capabilities.

Lockton Appoints Bolander as SVP of Regional Operations

Lockton Companies Inc. announced that Tyler Bolander joined the company as senior vice president of regional operations.

He will be part of Lockton’s global operations team focused on the company’s continued growth. Bolander has more than 15 years of industry experience, with a background in employee benefits and insurance.

“I am excited to join Lockton and work with a team that is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to clients,” said Bolander in a statement. “Lockton’s reputation for client service and its commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to helping our clients navigate their complex challenges and achieve their business goals.” 

McGrath Joins Dechert’s Boston Office as Partner

Dechert LLP announced that Michael McGrath has joined the firm as partner in the financial services group in the Boston office.

McGrath is an asset management and investment funds lawyer, experienced in the U.S. financial services regulatory environment. He focuses on counseling global asset managers on the formation and operation of investment funds and other investment products.

Prior to joining Dechert, McGrath was a co-practice leader and partner in the asset management and investment funds practice of K&L Gates LLP for more than 11 years.

Christopher Harvey, global co-chair of Dechert’s financial services group, said, “Mike is a highly regarded lawyer whose expertise will be a great asset to our team. His experience in managing complex regulatory issues for global asset managers will further strengthen our services and offerings to our clients, especially relating to the Advisers Act. We are delighted to welcome Mike to Dechert.”

Marsh McLennan Appoints Hartmann, Young to Board of Directors

The board of directors of Marsh McLennan appointed Judith Hartmann and Ray Young as directors, effective immediately. With these appointments, the company’s board will consist of 15 directors.

“Judith and Ray bring deep and diverse financial, international operations and governance experience to our Board. We look forward to working alongside them,” said H. Edward Hanway, chairman of the firm’s board of directors, in a statement.

From 2015 to 2022, Hartmann was deputy CEO and chief financial officer of ENGIE, an international energy services company.

Young was vice chairman of Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., a global agricultural processing and nutrition company, until his retirement at the end of 2022.