Cetera builds insurance planning muscle with Fidelity alum

Cetera is looking to solidify its position in the complex wealth planning space by hiring a veteran leader in the retirement income and life insurance space.

Cetera Financial Group announced Monday that it has appointed Jerry Patterson as the head of its advanced wealth solutions division.

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Patterson will be responsible for enhancing Cetera's offerings in retirement, life insurance, and annuities, aiming to bolster financial security for clients.

As the leader to both the insurance group and the workplace and retirement solutions group, he’ll take on an array of duties including the design, development, and management of insurance and retirement income products tailored to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Additionally, he will provide strategic direction for distribution strategies, with a focus on market expansion and strengthening distribution partnerships.

"As we continue to expand our suite of offerings to help advisors across our channels and communities succeed and best serve their clients, Jerry's leadership will be instrumental in delivering innovative advanced wealth solutions," Adam Antoniades, CEO of Cetera Financial Group said in a statement.

"Jerry will play a critical role in elevating our insurance solutions and expanding our already successful workplace and retirement offerings, which Jon Anderson continues to lead," Antoniades said.

"There is a clear need for comprehensive and strategic wealth solutions in today's marketplace and I look forward to building on the success Cetera has already established in this area," Patterson said.

Before joining Cetera, Patterson was president of Fidelity Investments’ life insurance arm, collaborating with Fidelity advisors and RIA network partners to integrate insurance solutions into wealth management practices.

He has also held multiple leadership positions over two decades at Principal Financial Group and has experience as an advanced planner and estate planning attorney.

He currently serves on Limra’s Annuity Advisory Board and has previously served on the Insured Retirement Institute’s board of directors and executive committee, as well as several committees with the American Council of Life Insurers.

Patterson's appointment is part of a broader strategy at Cetera to strengthen its leadership team.

The firm recently named Scott Baker as head of corporate strategy and Dan Burkott as chief compliance officer for its tax channel. Cetera has also expanded its advisory solutions team and added industry veteran Marten Hoekstra to its board of directors. The firm also tapped Michael Molnar, a proven M&A leader at Avantax, as its head of corporate development.