Short Takes: Travelers Life Installs Chief Marketing Exec

Travelers Life and Annuity Co. has hired a chief marketing officer for its life insurance operations to help the company develop marketing support for its distribution channels.

Michael R. Zides, vice president, will oversee marketing through banks, independent insurance agents, and the more than 11,000 brokers at Smith Barney, a subsidiary, as well as at Copeland Co., a unit that markets annuities to teachers and nonprofit groups.

Previously, Mr. Zides had been vice president-marketing development at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. He reports to Barry Jacobson, senior vice president in charge of product development and marketing through financial intermediaries.

Mr. Jacobson was hired last summer to oversee sales through banks, but his role was expanded about a month ago. Taking over Mr. Jacobson's role as head of sales through banks is Robert Hyburg, director of bank sales.

Travelers Life and Annuity is a member of the Travelers Group, one of the nation's largest financial services companies with about $145 billion of assets.

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