The Phoenix Companies has tapped Stephen Gresham to lead product management and marketing for the firm's asset management business. Gresham was previously the head of retail distribution. Succeeding him in that role is Steven Neamtz, who joins the company from Ridgeline Capital.

Product management duties at Phoenix' asset management business were previously handled by Frank Waltman, senior vice president of product development. He is no longer with the company, according to a Phoenix spokesperson.

The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PNX) today announced that Stephen D. Gresham, previously the head of retail distribution, will assume new responsibilities leading product management and marketing for the company's Asset Management business, which includes the PhoenixFunds family of mutual funds and its managed account offerings. In addition, J. Steven Neamtz has joined the company as the head of retail distribution. Both report to George R. Aylward, senior executive vice president and president of Phoenix's Asset Management business.

"The appointments of Steve Gresham and Steve Neamtz help us continue the progress we've made in developing and positioning our mutual fund family and other investment products," Aylward said. "The success we've had with our funds creates the need for an increased focus on competitively marketing our products. Steve Gresham is ideally suited to lead this new focus. At the same time, we need to continue building the momentum of our retail distribution efforts, and Steve Neamtz brings 25 years of experience and a track record of doing just that."

Aylward noted that throughout his career Gresham has worked closely with financial advisors who serve high-net-worth investors. "Steve is uniquely qualified to lead our product management and marketing efforts because of his strategic creativity and deep understanding of the wants and needs of high-net-worth customers."

Gresham has been with Phoenix since 2001. Previously, he managed his own wealth-management consulting firm, the Gresham Company, LLC, and earlier he worked on Wall Street leading retail asset management distribution for Weiss, Peck & Greer, LLC, and for Systematic Financial Management, Inc.

The author of four books including Advisor for Life and The New Managed Accounts Solutions Handbook, Gresham serves on the board of governors of the Money Management Institute. He is a graduate of Brown University.

"We are very excited about having Steve Neamtz join our management team. He has considerable experience and demonstrated success in building and managing highly effective sales organizations and will continue and enhance the strong leadership of our retail distribution efforts," Aylward added.

Neamtz joins Phoenix from Ridgeline Capital, an asset manager that advises hedge funds and separately managed accounts for institutions, foundations and high-net-worth investors. Previously he spent ten years with AIG SunAmerica, leading its distribution efforts and overseeing its AIG SunAmerica Capital Services, Inc. subsidiary that distributes annuities, mutual funds and asset management products. Before that he was executive vice president and national sales manager for IXIS Funds (formerly New England Funds).

He is a member of the Investment Company Institute's marketing committee and a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in marketing and finance.

The PhoenixFunds offer a broad selection of professionally managed mutual funds that span multiple asset classes and investment styles to help clients build well diversified portfolios. Phoenix also offers managed accounts primarily through its affiliated investment manager, Kayne Anderson Rudnick. Through its institutional business, Phoenix provides asset management services to corporations, multi-employer retirement funds, endowments, and foundations. Phoenix had $46.5 billion in assets under management as of September 30.

With roots dating to 1851, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (NYSE:PNX) helps individuals and institutions solve their often highly complex personal financial and business planning needs through its broad array of life insurance, annuities and investments. The company's products and services reflect deep insights into the wants and needs of consumers and financial professionals gleaned from research, including its Phoenix Wealth Survey, conducted annually since 2000. Phoenix has been recognized for its people-friendly programs by Working Mother magazine, the National Association of Female Executives and The Princeton Review. In 2006, Phoenix had annual revenues of $2.6 billion and total assets of $29.0 billion. For more information, visit www.phoenixwm.com.

Edited by: Erin Kello

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