Symetra appoints next general counsel and secretary

Symetra Financial Corporation has appointed Jacqueline Veneziani as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, effective April 1.

She will succeed David Goldstein, who is retiring after more than six years as general counsel, according to the company. In her new role, Veneziani will oversee Symetra’s law and compliance departments and will report to president and CEO Margaret Meister.

Veneziani joined Bellevue, Washington-based Symetra in 1998 as a lawyer in its legal department. She is at present senior vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary of Symetra Life Insurance Company and its affiliates, responsible for providing counsel for Symetra’s corporate governance and retirement division legal issues.

Before Symetra’s acquisition by Sumitomo Life, Veneziani supported the organization’s public company corporate governance and reporting obligations.

‘Jacquie has built an outstanding track record of success at Symetra over the past 20 years. She is a strong leader, known for her proactive and collaborative approach,’ Meister says in a statement. ‘With her broad experience and deep knowledge of the company, Jacquie will continue to be a valuable contributor as we pursue Symetra’s growth strategies.’

Goldstein joined Symetra from law firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan (now Eversheds Sutherland). During his time with the company he has overseen an expansion of Symetra’s legal and compliance teams and helped drive enhanced corporate governance, according to the company.

‘I would like to thank David for his leadership of Symetra’s exceptional legal organization,’ Meister says. ‘He has been a leading force behind Symetra’s major corporate initiatives, including the acquisition by Sumitomo Life. We wish him the best in his retirement.’