Symetra Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Symetra Financial based in Washington, has appointed Jeff Farmer as sales vice president for the company’s Benefits Division in Eastern region, replacing Bill Edrington.

Edrington has been recently moved to a new role as managing director of Marketing and Business Development for Symetra’s Benefits Division.

Commenting on the appointment, Symetra Benefits Division Sales and Distribution vice president Rick Lyons said, "A 25-year veteran of the employee benefits business, Jeff understands the needs of the benefits brokerage community."

"His perspectives will help broaden our sales strategies and advance our efforts to grow and diversify Symetra’s benefits distribution network."

Based in the Atlanta area, Farmer will report to Rick Lyons and lead the team that drives sales of Symetra medical stop-loss and group life and disability income insurance through benefits brokers and third-party administrators in 18 eastern and central states.

Prior to Symetra, Farmer most recently served as partner and sales leader for Mercer Health & Benefits’ South Market, which consists of nine states from Florida to Maryland and spent 11 years with the firm.

Initially, he was hired by Marsh Employee Benefits Services before it became part of Mercer in 2004.

At Mercer, Farmer managed client consulting, office management, regional management, and product and service development.

Previously, he has held a variety of sales and management positions with Aetna, CNA and MetLife/MetraHealth.

Since 1957, Symetra has been providing employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefits consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors.