Retirement Industry People Moves

Dee Sawyer

Sawyer Succeeds Higginbotham as Head of Global Distribution at T. Rowe Price

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. announced that Robert Higginbotham, head of global distribution and global product, plans to retire at year-end after 11 years with the firm.

Higginbotham, who also serves as CEO and chair of T. Rowe Price International, as a member of the firm’s management committee and its subcommittees focused on strategy, compensation, and development, will be succeeded by management committee member Dee Sawyer. 

Effective January 1, 2024, Sawyer will be named the new head of global distribution. She will also assume Higginbotham’s responsibilities on the firm’s subcommittees. She joined the firm in 2012 and currently leads the U.S. intermediaries business channel, as well as retirement plan services.

Bank of America Names Korkow President of Omaha

Craig Korkow

Bank of America has named Craig Korkow president of Bank of America Omaha. As president, Korkow will connect banking and investment resources offered through the bank’s eight lines of business to people and companies across the region.

In addition to his responsibilities as president, Korkow serves as resident director for Merrill Wealth Management, working with clients to design and implement detailed retirement plans.

“Craig has established deep relationships with teammates, clients and the Omaha community for more than 20 years and personifies Bank of America’s commitment to stakeholder service,” said Brian Moynihan, Bank of America chairman and CEO in a statement. “He is well positioned to grow our presence in Omaha.”

Bank of America Tuesday announced plans to open financial centers in nine new markets by 2026. Omaha is one of those new markets. The others are Milwaukee; Louisville, Kentucky.; Birmingham, Alabama; New Orleans; Madison, Wisconsin; Boise, Idaho; Dayton, Ohio and Huntsville, Alabama.

Northern Trust Appoints Calcagno as Senior Wealth Strategist

Kathryn Calcagno

Northern Trust appointed Kathryn Calcagno as senior wealth strategist in Portland, Oregon. She will work with high-net-worth individuals and families to develop wealth management plans.

“We are excited to welcome Kathryn’s caliber of experience to our growing Portland market, where she will add a unique perspective to help our clients through all parts of their lives,” Brandie Hammette, managing director of Oregon for Northern Trust Wealth Management, said in a statement.

Most recently, Calcagno was senior managing director, wealth adviser at First Republic Bank, where she managed investment and trust services for clients.

Lincoln Financial Group Promotes Turer, Hires Diemer

Lincoln Financial Group promoted Stephen Turer to the newly created role of head of insurance solutions. Thomas Diemer has been appointed chief financial officer of retail solutions.

Turer will oversee Lincoln’s Life, MoneyGuard and annuity product lines. Diemer will oversee Lincoln’s life and annuity businesses, as well as Lincoln Financial Network, its wealth management business. Both Turer and Diemer will report to Matt Grove, executive vice president and head of retail solutions.

“As we continue aligning our Life and Annuity businesses, Stephen’s product expertise and leadership experience make him the perfect person for this newly created role,” said Grove in a statement. “Tom’s extensive financial industry expertise adds incredible value to the Retail Solutions team.”

IRI Announces Changes to Board of Directors, Executive Committee

Insured Retirement Institute announced Bill Lowe will join the IRI board of directors’ executive committee, having served on the IRI board of directors since 2012. Lowe is president of Sammons Institutional Group, Inc.

Joining the IRI board of directors are Melissa Kivett, executive vice president, corporate retirement solutions & business development, TIAA and Dylan Tyson, president of the retirement strategies business at Prudential.

“IRI is fortunate to have highly committed members and industry leaders willing to volunteer their time, energy, and passion to provide governance and strategic guidance to our organization,” Wayne Chopus, IRI’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Bill, Melissa, and Dylan to drive IRI’s agenda forward to help America’s workers and retirees achieve a secure and dignified retirement.”