First, ING Advisors Network named John Simmers to the post of ceo on July 1, 2002. He replaces Miles Gordon who is retiring.

And now that Simmers is in the driver's seat, he has may several changes to the management team at the unit, a spokesperson with the firm told the MutualFundWire.com. The changes are as follows:

• Valerie Brown -- head of channels and national sales manager. Prior to this move, she was chief of staff for ING Group's executive committees, Americas and Asia/Pacific.
• Jackie Figliola -- head of operations and product. She is a veteran of Advisor Network's management team.
• Jack Handy -- head of bank and independent channels. He will also continue in his current role as president and ceo of Financial Network.
• Cindy Hamel -- chief operating officer. Hamel was previously the chief information officer for ING Advisors Network and will retain those responsibilities until a replacement is named.

"These changes will not immediately affect what we offer or do. These are people who are already on the team, and that will change how we approach strategic development," the spokesperson continued.

"My first key action as ceo was to organize a strong and unified leadership team, ensuring that we continue to achieve that objective. Broker-dealers and their representatives are facing new challenges today -- unprecedented challenges that are forging a new reality for financial professionals and investors alike," Simmers added. 

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