Comings & Goings

The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries announces the addition of Michael R. Copp as chief operating officer. Copp joins ASPPA from the National Association of Home Builders where he served as SVP of education. He will officially join the ASPPA executive team on March 19. Copp brings more than 13 years experience in the association sector including educational development, event management, marketing, and business development at both the National Association of Home Builders and The American Institute of Architects. Prior to his employment with NAHB, Copp was managing director with the Professional Practice division of The American Institute of Architects. … Nippon Life Benefits, one of the leading providers of employee benefit solutions, announces the appointment of Takayuki Murai as president and CEO. … The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America announces that Nancy E. Cooper has been elected to the company’s Board of Directors. … ING U.S. announces that it has hired Kevin D. Silva as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. In this role, Silva will direct a human resources strategy aimed at building ING's human capital by attracting, retaining and developing world-class employees and incenting them to deliver superior performance. Silva, who is based in New York, will report to ING U.S. CEO Rodney Martin. … Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America promotes Gretchen Cepek to the post of general counsel. Cepek will serve as chief legal advisor for the executive management team and will oversee litigation, corporate governance, product development, special investigations and government relations. She also joins the company’s executive leadership group and will report directly to Allianz Life president and CEO Walter White.