Columbus, OH - Nationwide has named two new leaders to oversee public-sector sales, relationship management and acquisition efforts in the eastern region of the United States, underscoring the company’s focus on increasing market share while helping clients build successful retirement plans.

Jeff Francis’ promotion to regional vice president expands his sales and relationship management responsibilities in the eastern United States. He now leads a team of 60 sales professionals in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Francis has held several leadership roles within Nationwide’s public-sector retirement plans business, where he has consistently exceeded client goals.

Hazel Durand is the new institutional sales executive for the eastern region, responsible for directing all client acquisition efforts. Durand joins Nationwide after more than two decades as a sales leader in the retirement plans industry. She spent the last nine years working as a senior vice president at Fidelity, where she led a team of 25 business development consultants and relationship managers. Prior to working at Fidelity, Durand was employed by Citistreet.

“Nationwide’s public-sector retirement plans business has a great deal of sales momentum. Jeff and Hazel will enable us to double-down on our efforts to increase sales while continuing to deliver the high-level of service our clients have come to expect from Nationwide,” said Eric Stevenson, vice president of public-sector retirement plan sales for Nationwide. “Both are committed to advancing our reputation as an expert partner for plan sponsors, consultants and participants.”

Francis received a bachelor’s degree in consumer services and advocacy from Syracuse University. He holds FINRA Series 6, 63, 26 and 65 licenses. Durand has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from Northeastern University. Additionally, she holds FINRA Series 63, 7 and 24 and licenses.