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WINDSOR, Conn., June 29, 2010—LIMRA partnered with MetLife, one of the largest life insurers in the U.S., to host the first industry Agent Retention and Productivity Forum today at the Sentry Centers in New York City.

“Distribution, in particular sustaining and strengthening the agency system, has been one of the most challenging issues facing our industry,” said Robert Kerzner, president and CEO, LIMRA, LOMA and LL Global. “LIMRA research has found that continuously improving agent retention and productivity is crucial to a healthy affiliated channel. We are pleased to join together with MetLife to convene this forum of distribution leaders to discuss the latest research in distribution, identify the best practices and establish new metrics that will set new standards for measuring productivity and retention.”

The forum included roundtable discussions on the impact of new consumer perceptions and expectations of insurance sales professionals and financial advisors; innovative recruiting and retention models to address the existing dynamic business environment; and key agent performance metrics that will allow measuring and analysis of agent productivity and promote a strong professional sales force.

“Our industry has changed dramatically over the past few decades—the spectrum of consumer demographics has expanded, the regulatory environment continues to evolve and consumers are turning to their advisors for help more than ever before,” commented Michael J. Vietri, MetLife executive vice president for Individual Distribution. “Therefore, it is imperative that the industry focuses on helping to develop the strongest candidates who will build and lead practices that can be sustained and transferred to the next generation of sales professionals – in a cost-efficient and, profitable manner. We’re excited to co-host this forum with other distribution leaders to set the path for the future for our industry,” added Vietri.

This event was open to LIMRA members only. Participants included distribution leaders and business analysts from insurance companies nationwide.

MetLife Contacts:
Holly Sheffer, 212-78-4072, hsheffer@metlife.com
Jessica Ong, 212 -578-2154, jong@metlife.com

About LIMRA

LIMRA is a worldwide research, consulting and professional development organization that helps more than 850 insurance and financial services companies in 73 countries increase their marketing and distribution effectiveness. Visit LIMRA at www.limra.com.

About MetLife

MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world and MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.