Press Releases

Carmel, Ind. September 21, 2005 -- Conseco Insurance Group announced that it has appointed four industry wholesalers to represent Conseco annuity products nationwide. The company welcomes John Baskin, James Gomez, David Klein, and Mike Szemeredy to its annuity sales team.

Conseco’s annuity wholesalers report to Tom Blackburn, senior vice president and national sales director for annuity products for the Conseco insurance companies. “Our team of annuity wholesalers is comprised of dynamic and knowledgeable industry leaders with proven success in annuity sales,?? said Blackburn. “Their hiring is an important part of Conseco’s commitment to annuity sales growth. They will be responsible for educating and motivating Conseco’s contracted agents, as well as recruiting new distribution partners for Conseco.??

About the team:

• John Baskin has more than 12 years of industry experience and most recently served as regional vice president of sales for American National Life. He has earned the CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designations and holds Series 6, 7, 24, 63, and 65 NASD licenses. Baskin earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
• James Gomez brings more than 19 years of insurance and annuity experience to his new role at Conseco. Most recently, Gomez served from 1998-2004 as regional vice president of sales with ING/ReliaStar, specializing in the K-12 tax-sheltered market. Gomez is a Certified College Planning Specialist and holds Series 6, 7, 24, and 63 NASD licenses. He graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
• David Klein began his insurance career at John Alden Life Insurance Company, where he served for five years in various sales and marketing roles. He then served as a wholesaler and annuity division leader for Diversified Underwriters Services, Inc., of Miami, Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and holds Series 6 and 63 NASD licenses.
• Mike Szemeredy is a former professional football player with 17 years of insurance industry experience. His successful sales career includes eight years as regional vice president for Presidential Life Insurance Company. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in business studies and urban planning.

Conseco Insurance Group, comprised of the Conseco insurance companies based in Carmel, Indiana, serves over 2 million customers across America. Conseco Insurance Group offers supplemental health and life insurance products and annuities to working families and seniors.

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