Press Release

IRI Elects New Board Chair, Vice Chair

Issued by Insured Retirement Institute [IRI]

Oct. 18, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) announced changes to its board of directors today, including a new chair and vice chair.

The new chair is Phil Pellegrino, Head of US Wealth Planning & Insured Solutions at UBS. Pellegrino served as vice chair of the IRI Board of Directors for the past year. Corey Walther, President of Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, is the new vice chair.

Pellegrino succeeds Terri Fiedler, President of Retirement Services, Corebridge Financial, who becomes the immediate past chair and remains on the IRI Executive Committee. Paula Nelson, Managing Director & Head of Strategic Growth with Global Atlantic Financial Group, will continue as Treasurer/Secretary.

“I’m excited to welcome Phil as the new IRI board chair,” said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO of IRI. “He has been a crucial member of our executive committee and a leader in our Digital First for Annuities Initiative over the past year. I’m grateful for his continued commitment to IRI and look forward to working with him in the coming year.”

Chopus also thanked Fiedler for her service as board chair. “I’m very thankful to Terri for her outstanding leadership over the past year,” he said. “IRI delivered for our members throughout her term thanks to her experience and guidance. We will continue to benefit from her contributions as an active board member.”

“The future of retirement continues to be a pressing concern for our country, and I feel privileged to be in a position to help shape that future,” Pellegrino said. “Our focus at IRI continues to be on advocating for new retirement security legislation, addressing regulatory inquiries from federal agencies, and leading an initiative to transform the annuity experience for financial professionals and consumers.”

“It has been an honor to lead the IRI board over the past year,” said Fiedler. “IRI is at the forefront of public policy debate affecting our industry and the retirement security of American workers and retirees. We have much to be proud of and will continue to accomplish great things collaboratively.”

“IRI’s success is largely due to our Board of Directors and their leadership, passion, and commitment,” said Wayne Chopus, IRI President and CEO. “We are incredibly fortunate to attract such talented industry leaders who are highly engaged from day one and fully invested in moving our industry forward. I’m incredibly thankful for their efforts.”

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