Money manager hopes to reach more 401(k) sponsors. Russell Investment Group has made Jay Slusher head of retirement-service sales in its 11-state central region. The appointment is part of Russell’s effort to secure broader distribution among 401(k) sponsors for its LifePoints multi-manager funds.

Slusher’s experience and “skill set” are a good match for the task before him, according to Matt Smith, managing director of Russell’s retirement-service unit. “His ability to establish key relationships and strategic partnerships will be integral in helping our retirement business reach its growth goals,” says Smith.

Slusher joins Russell after a 15-year stint with JPMorgan Chase’s retirement-service group.

Slusher is based in Kansas City, Kan. He’s in charge of Russell’s retirement-product sales in the Dakotas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Wisconsin.He replaces Kevin Ginnever who has moved over to Russell’s institutional business as regional sales director in the western and mid-western U.S.

American United Life Insurance Company, John Hancock and Principal Financial Group distribute Russell’s LifePoints funds to 401(k) plan sponsors. Russell says it wants to add more distribution alliances to make those funds more widely available on defined-contribution platforms.

Tacoma, Wash.-based Russell Investment Group is part of the Frank Russell Company a subsidiary of Milwaukee, Wisc.-based Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. It managed more than $133 billion in advisory assets at the end of March 2005. –FWR

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