Principal^® announces new leaders in Retirement and Income Solutions

Principal Financial Group^®, a global leader in retirement plan services, today announced two new leaders in its Retirement and Income Solutions (RIS) business to drive continued innovation and growth in stock-incentivized benefit programs and third-party administration of employee benefits. These new hires will help Principal meet the growing customer demand for innovative tools, resources, and support to streamline their retirement plans and recruit and retain talent.

Amy Keiser joins Principal as the head of stock plan services to provide strategic and operational leadership to the business unit, including employee stock ownership plans and the company’s new equity compensation solutions. Christabelle Cook has been hired for the newly created role of director of TPA strategy to further the company’s commitment to third-party benefits administration.

“We are excited to announce these two exceptional new hires to the team as we continue to build our business to meet the evolving needs of workplace retirement planning,” said Jerry Patterson, senior vice president, Retirement and Income Solutions at Principal. “Both Amy Keiser and Christabelle Cook bring the industry knowledge and leadership needed to drive growth in key areas of our retirement practice as well as help ensure best-in-class service to our customers.”

Amy Keiser, Head of Stock Plan Services

Keiser brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the retirement industry, including several years with Principal, in areas including product management, consulting and client services. She most recently worked at Empower, where she held leadership positions including overseeing an inside sales team of more than 50 associates to help meet and exceed sales goals and product strategy. Keiser will play a critical role in growing the Total Retirement Solutions business, which delivers uniquely packaged, multi-plan solutions that can include top-tier investment and insurance offerings.

“Our stock plan solutions business is a cornerstone of our retirement strategy, and I can’t be more excited about welcoming Amy Keiser back to Principal to lead this division to even greater heights,” Patterson said. “Amy brings a deep understanding of multiple markets and the competitive landscape that will help us reinforce our leadership position as the No. 1 provider of employee stock ownership plan solutions¹ as well as grow our equity compensation business.”

Christabelle Cook, Director, TPA Strategy

Christabelle Cook joins Principal as the Director of TPA strategy, a new role designed to help the company remain a market leader in employee benefits by continuing to strengthen and build relationships with third party administrators. She brings to Principal a diverse 15 years of experience in financial advisory, plan design, recordkeeping and investment strategies all within retirement plans. Cook's most recent role was with Hartford Funds, where she was Director of Defined Contribution Investments covering the southeastern territory leading investment sales efforts. She is also returning to Principal, where she was previously a regional director of business development helping financial professionals to grow and expand their retirement plan practices.

“This new position is a reflection of the importance we are placing on our third-party-administrator business, and Christabelle will bring the insight, knowledge, and leadership to help us improve our ability to meet and exceed our clients’ needs,” Patterson said.