IRI honors Tyler Brown with Rising Star Award. April 24, 2026 Tyler Brown,, Vice President, Government Affairs, Sammons Financial Group, (center) receives the the IRI Rising Star Award from Wayne, Chopus, President & CEO, IRI, and Shani Armon, Chief Operating Officer, IRI. WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) presented Tyler Brown, Vice President, Government Affairs, Sammons Financial Group, with its Rising Star Award at the association's 2026 Annual Conference. This award recognizes emerging leaders who have demonstrated exemplary service to their profession, colleagues, and the insured retirement industry. "Each year, the Rising Star Award highlights emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact on the future of the insured retirement industry," said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO, IRI. "Tyler has quickly established himself as a trusted voice on critical policy issues impacting retirement security. His expertise, leadership, and ability to engage policymakers make him a highly deserving recipient of this award." Since joining Sammons Financial Group, Brown has quickly established himself as a knowledgeable advocate on the key issues shaping the insured retirement industry, including tax policy, SEC regulations, state insurance issues, artificial intelligence regulation, and the Department of Labor's fiduciary proposal. His ability to clearly communicate the implications of these issues to both industry and non-industry audiences has made him a highly effective advocate. Brown is widely respected among policymakers and regulators. He has played a key role in communicating industry perspectives to legislators and their staff, becoming a trusted resource on retirement policy matters. In 2024, he organized a Washington, D.C. fly-in that brought senior executives from Sammons Financial Group together with key lawmakers and staff. He led a second fly-in in 2025 focused on proposed tax legislation, facilitating multiple meetings that contributed to a more favorable outcome for the industry. Within Sammons Financial Group, Brown is recognized as a leader and strategic communicator. He provides timely updates on legislative and regulatory developments, launched a quarterly Government Affairs newsletter, and regularly engages employees and distribution partners through webinars, podcasts, and in-person discussions. He also coordinates opportunities for elected officials to connect directly with company stakeholders, strengthening relationships across the policy landscape. "Tyler exemplifies what it means to be a Rising Star in our industry," said Wayne Chopus. "His passion and commitment are helping to advance retirement security for all Americans. We celebrate his achievements and look forward to his continued contributions." Brown represents the next generation of leadership in the insured retirement industry. Through his advocacy and expertise, he advances IRI's mission to promote retirement security and drive meaningful progress on behalf of consumers and the industry alike. April 24, 2026 TAMPA, FLORIDA - The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) announced that 16 members of its board of directors were elected to... April 23, 2026 TAMPA, FLORIDA - The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) named Ben Huneke, Head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, as the 2026... April 23, 2026 TAMPA, FLORIDA - The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) presented its Leadership Award to Annie Webb, Associate Vice President, Government Relations,...

Sammons Financial Group has appointed Sergi Turabelidze as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, effective 2 March 2026. Turabelidze will oversee the company's $135 billion portfolio, including investment strategy, asset allocation and performance management. Turabelidze joins from Sixth Street Partners, where he served as Managing Director and senior leader of the Insurance team. He previously held CIO roles at Soteria Re and Head of Investment Strategy at RGA, along with senior positions at Goldman Sachs and NISA Investment Advisors. In his new role, Turabelidze will report to Chairman and CEO Esfand Dinshaw and join the company's executive leadership team, focusing on advancing investment strategy to support long-term growth objectives.