VP Sales Leader, Vitera

VP, Sales Leader

Vitera (formerly ARS) is reshaping how Americans turn retirement savings into reliable income. Our "Auto Income" target date funds (TDFs), including the SSgA GTC Retirement Income Builder Series, integrate guaranteed income directly into the default investment option—creating simplicity, scale, and security for participants and plan sponsors alike. As we grow, we're expanding our leadership team to drive national adoption of our platform. In partnership with Athene and Apollo, we're hiring a VP, Sales Leader to lead Vitera's national sales execution for designated intermediary partner firms for our innovative guaranteed income (GI) and retirement income solutions. This player/coach leader will drive sales in an assigned territory, supported by two internal wholesalers, and will play a critical role in selecting and managing advisor/intermediary firm relationships. This executive will also "lead" GI efforts in collaboration with Apollo's DCIO intermediary advisor coverage team, working in partnership to bring a cohesive approach to Defined Contribution for Apollo, Athene, and Vitera and expanding the reach of Vitera's guaranteed income solutions. This is a field-first role—ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives on both execution and mentorship, driving individual success while scaling national impact. This role dual reports to Vitera CEO and Apollo DCIO Head of Intermediary Distribution. Location: Flexible with extensive travel as needed.

Accountabilities:

• Drive sales in Vitera solutions in assigned territory (player/coach model) supported by 2 internals, managing and developing key advisor/intermediary firm relationships.
• Lead Guaranteed Income (GI) initiatives with the APO intermediary coverage team, including training and product expertise for GI conversations to deepen advisor engagement and expand distribution reach.
• When covering intermediaries, identify any private asset opportunities, and work with APO intermediary colleagues to pursue opportunities.
• Act as GI distribution lead, providing education, strategy, and enablement to the broader sales force.
• Develop sales targeting strategy with intermediaries, with focus on recordkeepers where Vitera solutions are available.
• Partner with Vitera asset management partner to develop sales targeting strategy for mid to large plans.
• Conduct advisor education meetings, field events, and finalist presentations.
• Serve as lead liaison to Apollo's DC and wealth sales teams to align distribution strategies.
• Represent Private Markets alongside GI in all DC sales efforts—articulating the value proposition at a strategic level and partnering with SMEs for deeper engagement.
• Collaborate closely with Private Markets and GI leadership to ensure integrated messaging, aligned priorities, and shared growth objectives.
• Oversee CRM discipline, pipeline management, and consultant tracking.
• Partner with Marketing to shape field-driven content and messaging.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in DCIO or retirement plan sales, with a strong command of advisor-led channels.
• Proven success selling TDFs, guaranteed income products, and/or annuity-wrapped investments.
• Demonstrated ability to represent adjacent solutions (such as Private Markets) at a high level and collaborate cross-functionally with product experts.
• Experience leading sales initiatives and acting as a subject matter expert across teams.
• Ability to train and elevate teams—including non-specialists—to confidently position complex products.
• Excellent communicator with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style
• Strong industry relationships with aggregators, advisors, and consultants.
• FINRA Series 6/7 and 63 (or willingness to obtain); insurance license preferred.
• Strategic mindset and eagerness to grow into broader asset class responsibility (e.g., private markets).

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