TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Benefit Corporation, a leading provider of retirement savings and income vehicles for pre- and post-retirees, announced industry veterans George M. Beale and Jeffrey D. Kayajanian as the newest members of its Defined Contribution team.

As Field Vice Presidents serving the western United States, Beale and Kayajanian work closely with advisors who sell and service defined contribution plans in the ERISA marketplace with a focus on 401(k) plans.

The addition of Beale and Kayajanian is the latest step in Security Benefit's ongoing initiative building an independent distribution structure focused on advisor business models and affiliations. 

"We believe strong assistance in the field is vital to helping advisors meet their clients' retirement planning needs and build their own practices," said Kevin Watt, Security Benefit Vice President of Defined Contribution Markets.  "Security Benefit is committed to providing that support through teams of seasoned professionals like Jeff and George, who understand the challenges and opportunities of a specific business model and have proven ability to help advisors increase both production and client satisfaction."

Beale has more than 20 years' experience in sales and regional sales management of 403(b), 457 and 401(k) plans, working previously at Securities America, MetLife, ING and Security First Group.  Denver-based Beale works with advisors in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states, from Montana south and east to Louisiana, including Texas.  He has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University.

Kayajanian, also a 20-year veteran, brings to his position extensive knowledge of 401(k) and annuity sales.  Formerly a divisional vice president of Hartford Retirement Plans Group, he has also served as National Sales Manager at State Street Research and was a Regional Vice President for ReliaStar Retirement Plans. Earlier still, he was affiliated with AXA/Equitable Annuities and Guardian Life. Based in Solana Beach, CA, he supports advisors in Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Washington.  Kayajanian holds a degree in business administration from California State University, Fresno, and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

"I'm excited about being part of Security Benefit, which I believe is at the cutting edge of the retirement business. It's exciting to be shaping the future of our industry," Kayajanian said. 

Commenting on his own decision to join Security Benefit, Beale said, "I highly respect the talent Security Benefit has pulled together and our strong product platform.  I believe the company will continue to bring fresh ideas and innovations to the marketplace."

Security Benefit offers a comprehensive suite of retirement savings and income products, including accumulation and income annuities and retirement plans. The firm serves individual and institutional investors through a broad network of independent financial representatives.

About Security Benefit Corporation

Founded in 1892, Security Benefit Corporation (Security Benefit), a Guggenheim Partners Company, is a leading provider of savings and income solutions for America's pre- and post-retirees. Security Benefit targets multiple wealth segments and channels of distribution through an independent, merit-based distribution structure. By leveraging Guggenheim's superior general account management capabilities into highly competitive products, Security Benefit focuses on the retirement savings market providing a full range of services to independent distributors including broker/dealers, IMOs, and other financial service providers. Security Benefit is indirectly controlled by Guggenheim Partners, LLC. To learn more about Security Benefit, visit www.securitybenefit.com.

Services are offered through and securities are distributed by Security Distributors, Inc., a subsidiary of Security Benefit.

For more information, please contact:

Dan Mahoney, Communications Strategy Group   
(970) 405-8060   
dmahoney@csg-pr.com   

Michel' Cole, Security Benefit Corporation    
(785) 438-3396    
Michel.cole@securitybenefit.com   

SOURCE Security Benefit Corporation