Wachovia is expanding the job description of its annuity sales force covering its retail-banking channel. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank is adding IRAs, planning tools and other investments falling under the retirement planning services umbrella to the 15-member group's job description.

The move is intended to enhance the emphasis on Wachovia's retirement services available through its 3,100 bank branch network. The group will also be courting rollovers from its retail banking customers.

The regionally based wholesalers will continue to report to Doug Kopitsch, national sales manager for retirement and investment products, said spokesperson Mark Folk. Kopitsch reports to Lynne Ford, director of sales, marketing and product for the Retirement and Investment Products Group.

The group will continue to operate separately from Wachovia's institutional retirement group that is headed by Joe Ready, said Folk.

"They will provide internal assistance with product information with financial center [bank branch] employees and their advisors and will not be working directly with external clients," Folk added.

"Wachovia offers a wide range of retirement products, services and tools that can help people no matter where they are in the planning cycle -- from those just starting out to those nearing or already in retirement," said Ford in a statement. "Through the program we call Wachovia Retirement Solutions, we provide products, services and guidance to help meet customers' retirement needs."  

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