Oct. 29, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

--  Ewout Steenbergen named CFO, ING Insurance U.S.

--  Jeff Becker replaces Leary as CEO, ING Investment Management, Americas

ING (NYSE: ING) announced today that Rob Leary has been named Chief Executive Officer of ING Insurance U.S. Previously, Leary was CEO of ING Investment Management, Americas. Leary's appointment as CEO follows ING's announcement from 26 October that Tom McInerney, currently CEO ING Insurance Americas, had been named Chief Operating Officer of ING Insurance, effective 1 January, 2010. Leary will be one of six global insurance/investment management CEOs reporting to McInerney as part of ING's new global insurance/investment management structure.

McInerney said, "Rob's combination of leadership skills, industry experience and acumen, plus his strong track record of success make him the ideal successor for ING's U.S. insurance operations. ING's global insurance business is well positioned to deliver steady growth in five geographic regions as the global economy begins to rebound. ING Insurance U.S. is a cornerstone to our overall strategy, and I am confident in Rob's ability to inspire employees, focus on customers, and collaborate with distribution partners."

Prior to being named CEO of ING Insurance U.S., Leary spent more than two successful years as CEO of ING Investment Management, Americas. As CEO, he was responsible for all investment management operations in North and South America. Leary's role at ING Investment Management, Americas will be filled by Jeff Becker, previously, Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Business Management and Strategy, ING Investment Management, Americas.

Leary said, "I am thrilled to take on this exciting new challenge in my career with ING. We have an exceptional portfolio of retirement and insurance businesses in the U.S., and a tremendous opportunity to expand ING's leadership positions in our core businesses. I wish my colleagues at ING Investment Management the very best. However, they are in very capable hands with Jeff. In addition to being highly regarded throughout the organization, he is a veteran investment management professional with impressive breadth and depth of industry knowledge and expertise."

Ewout Steenbergen named CFO, ING Insurance U.S.

ING Insurance U.S. also announced today that Ewout Steenbergen has been named Chief Financial Officer of ING Insurance U.S. Steenbergen assumes the U.S. responsibilities currently held by David Wheat, who has announced his retirement and intention to pursue other opportunities.

Prior to accepting this role in the U.S., Steenbergen was Chief Financial and Risk Officer for ING Insurance Asia/Pacific.