IRI HONORS NICK LANE, PRESIDENT OF EQUITABLE, AS THE 2025 INDUSTRY CHAMPION OF RETIREMENT SECURITY

TAMPA, FLORIDA – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today presented Nick Lane, President of Equitable, as the recipient of the 2025 Industry Champion of Retirement Security Award during the association’s annual conference.

IRI’s Industry Champion of Retirement Security Award recognizes individuals who work to enhance retirement security in the United States. The award is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated leadership to advance IRI-supported public policies through advocacy, communications, education, and other initiatives that help Americans plan for and save for their retirement years.

IRI created the Champion of Retirement Security Award in 2013 to recognize policymakers who have contributed significantly to advancing ideas and policies that enhance retirement security for all Americans. IRI expanded the program to acknowledge private-sector individuals who have made valuable contributions toward expanding retirement security.

“Nick Lane exemplifies the leadership, vision, and dedication to retirement security that this award represents,” said Wayne Chopus, President and CEO of IRI. “Through his advocacy, innovation, and deep commitment to expanding access to retirement solutions, Nick has helped millions of Americans plan for a financially secure future. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions and celebrate his impact on our industry.”

Lane currently serves as the president of Equitable, leading the company’s Retirement, Wealth Management and Protection Solutions businesses, along with its Marketing functions. During his nearly 20-year tenure with the company, he has strengthened its position in the retirement industry and fostered a more secure and innovative environment for retirees. He has expanded the company’s market reach and helped develop the first registered index-linked annuity (RILA) product, a groundbreaking innovation that has shaped the future of retirement planning. RILAs have been among the industry’s fastest growing products in recent years, offering secure retirement income and a level of protection against market volatility.

Lane has long championed lifetime income options within workplace retirement plans, pioneering Equitable’s first in-plan guarantee solution with AllianceBernstein more than a decade ago. He also continued to grow the company’s position as the top provider of retirement plans for K-12 educators, which today serves nearly 900,000 educators across the country. Lane also increased the company’s reach into underserved segments and developed tailored solutions to meet diverse client needs. Most recently, he supported the development of a new 401(k) pooled employer plan offering, designed to expand access to workplace retirement plans for small businesses and their employees, a historically underserved market.

Lane also serves on the Board of Directors for AllianceBernstein. Additionally, he has held leadership roles with key professional organizations to advocate for increased access to retirement solutions for all Americans. He currently serves on the Board of the American Council of Life Insurers, and previously served as the chairman of IRI’s Board of Directors and as a board member for the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA).

His advocacy efforts have been equally impactful. He has worked tirelessly to expand access to retirement solutions and testified before Congress to educate policymakers on the importance of secure retirement and lifetime income for Americans.

Beyond advocacy and innovation, Lane has championed the integration of technology to enhance the customer experience, making retirement planning more personalized and accessible. His efforts have empowered clients with digital tools and data-driven insights, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate their financial futures with confidence.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 IRI Industry Champion of Retirement Security,” Lane said. “With a record 11,000 Americans turning 65 every day, at Equitable, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that help people achieve financial well-being and retire with confidence. This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to advancing retirement security and advocating for policies that empower Americans to build a strong financial future. I look forward to continuing our work to drive meaningful change for retirees, our industry, and the communities we serve.”

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Contact: Dan Zielinski