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Every day there is a new statistic in the news highlighting the retirement crisis facing Americans.

Just looking at LIMRA’s research, the facts are sobering:

• Almost half of Americans are not saving in a retirement plan.
• Four out of five American workers are saving less than 10 percent for retirement.
• Fewer than half of Gen X consumers and less than one third of Gen Y consumers cite retirement as an important reason to save.
• Only a quarter of pre-retirees (age 55-70, not yet retired) feel very prepared for retirement; fewer than half are confident that they will be well positioned to live their desired retirement lifestyles.

Clearly, there is a need for strong leadership to turn this trend around and get Americans to systematically save throughout their working years, understand the risks they face in retirement and establish a retirement plan addressing these risks.

One of those leaders is likely to be Charlie Nelson. Charlie is president at Great-West Retirement Services and currently oversees all aspects of the retirement business's defined contribution and defined benefit programs. He is considered one of the most important players in the retirement space, and was recently named to 401(k) Wire's 2012 Most Influential List.

Recently, Charlie spoke to LIMRA about his perspectives on the industry, the challenges and opportunities facing companies, and the future of retirement market in general.

Charlie is also participating in the senior executive panel at the 2013 Retirement Industry Conference, being held April 17-19. Moderated by Robert Kerzner, president and CEO of LIMRA, LOMA and LL Global, the panel also includes: Eric Henderson, senior vice president, Individual Products & Solutions, Nationwide Financial; Stig O. Nybo, president, Pension Sales and Distribution, Transamerica Retirement Solutions; and Jay Wintrob, president and CEO, AIG Life and Retirement.

Note: Media are welcome to attend the entire conference at no cost. For more information or press pass, please contact LIMRA Public Relations.