Great-West Lifeco announced Feb. 7 the appointment of Edmund F. Murphy III as President and Chief Executive Officer of its U.S. subsidiary, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company (GWL&A). The appointment is effective immediately.

In this role, Murphy will remain President of Empower, a GWL&A division which provides services to approximately 39,000 retirement plan sponsors in the United States.

"Ed's vision, insight and guidance has helped Empower grow into the second largest retirement services provider in the U.S.," said Paul Mahon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Great-West Lifeco. "With his strong track record of success, he is well-placed to serve the needs of our growing client base in the U.S."

Robert L. Reynolds appointed Chair

Lifeco also announced that Robert L. Reynolds has been appointed Chair of Great-West Lifeco U.S., effective immediately. Reynolds will also remain in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lifeco's U.S. asset management business, Putnam Investments.

"It's Bob's leadership over the years that has helped strengthen GWL&A's position in the U.S. market," said Mahon. "I look forward to continue working with Bob in his new role and remain confident that he will continue to help grow our business in the U.S. and position us well for continued success into the future."