CHRISTINE HEDSTROM
Newington,CT
Summary
Lead Marketing Strategist and dynamic public speaker with over 25 years of marketing experience in the financial and insurance sectors. Skilled in harmonizing B2B and B2C customer experience with targeted strategies at each level of the marketing funnel to enhance brand visibility, communicate value propositions, and drive sales growth.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing Strategy Lead
MassMutual Life Insurance Company
Springfield & Boston, MA
09.2021 - Current
- Perform marketing strategy within the MassMutual Strategic Distributors (MMSD) third-party channel into the Life and Disability Income market, establishing a strong presence among competitors with a full suite of insurance products.
- Build foundational marketing materials and sales concepts, including channel value proposition and incorporating market research, promoted through digital mediums, paid media and web presence.
- Foster collaboration with internal and external partners to develop targeted campaigns and sales materials, enhancing sales interactions.
- Align marketing deliverables with MMSD distribution leadership and business goals, ensuring strategic focus.
- Enable sales teams to leverage Seismic as a central platform for marketing materials and presentation development, facilitating robust monitoring of analytics and reporting capabilities.
- Develop KPIs to measure marketing program effectiveness, providing data-driven insights for continuous improvement.
- Identify and implemented cross-business strategies, improving efficiency across multiple insurance businesses.
- Lead MMSD's market entry, driving brand awareness and sales growth in the Life & Disability sector.
- Report monthly MBR at executive leadership meetings and present marketing initiatives on the mainstage at national sales meetings twice a year.
Director, Product Marketing
The Hartford
Hartford, CT
01.2019 - 09.2021
- $3B business elevated through strategic marketing, exceeding industry benchmarks in digital engagement.
- Crafted go-to-market strategies, enhancing product awareness and customer engagement.
- Managed a team of five to provide support for marketing and business development across six product lines.
- Launched digital marketing campaigns, achieving over 500,000 page views in one month, surpassing industry benchmarks.
- Collaborated with Research and Data & Analytics teams, ensuring viable business cases and measurable marketing results.
Assistant Director, Group Benefits Marketing & Communications
The Hartford
Hartford, CT
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Orchestrated innovative go-to-market strategies, enhancing Group Claims and Absence Management visibility.
- Managed the rebranding and merger transformation process as a result of The Hartford's acquisition of Aetna, where claims offices were revamped to reflect a new brand experience.
- Launched pioneering two-way texting claim self-service mobile capabilities, earning 2006 Novarica Research Impact Award.
- Produced engaging Claim Tour videos, offering a unique virtual experience to potential clients and brokers.
- Promoted disability and leave management services at national industry conferences, generating valuable leads.
Lead Manager, Financial Protection Life Product Marketing
AXA Life Insurance
Farmington, CT
12.2012 - 05.2014
- Spearheaded life insurance, operations and underwriting marketing campaigns, ensuring seamless coordination with various centers of excellence.
- Supervised the creation and implementation of marketing collateral, fostering collaboration with the Marketing Centers of Excellence.
- Actively participated in multicultural events, supporting the company's diversity initiative and expanding new business opportunities with diverse agents.
Director, Life Insurance & Annuity Marketing
The Phoenix Companies, Inc./Saybrus Partners
Hartford, CT
11.2007 - 11.2009
- Led strategic marketing campaigns for life insurance and annuities, enhancing product positioning and launches.
- Cemented a robust marketing relationship with State Farm Insurance, leading to a better understanding of agent and customer needs.
- Successfully orchestrated 20+ annual national sales meetings, boosting agent sales and production.
- Pioneered televised and web training for life insurance and annuity products, strengthening sales team capabilities.
Assistant Vice President, Marketing
UBS Financial Services, Inc
Weehawken, NJ
06.1998 - 11.2007
HR Administrative Manager
PaineWebber, Inc.
Weehawken, NJ
06.1998 - 11.2000
Marketing Associate
Lake Ridge Marketing
Ramsey, NJ
06.1997 - 06.1998
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Biology
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA05-1998
Skills
- Marketing strategy
- Digital marketing
- Data analysis
- KPI development
- Product positioning
- Customer engagement
- Sales enablement
- Team leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
Hobbies and Interests
- Series 7 and Registered Principal 24 licensed, 2006-2015
- Toastmasters International Member
- Ridgeline Financial Services Advisory Council Member
- United Way Annual Giving Campaign Chair 2021
- Social Committee Founder and Chair, Woodlands of Newington
- Pi Beta Phi Sorority; Vice President of Social Advancement
- Bucknell University Women’s Golf Team, 1995-1998
Timeline
Marketing Strategy Lead
MassMutual Life Insurance Company
09.2021 - Current
Director, Product Marketing
The Hartford
01.2019 - 09.2021
Assistant Director, Group Benefits Marketing & Communications
The Hartford
01.2015 - 12.2018
Lead Manager, Financial Protection Life Product Marketing
AXA Life Insurance
12.2012 - 05.2014
Director, Life Insurance & Annuity Marketing
The Phoenix Companies, Inc./Saybrus Partners
11.2007 - 11.2009
Assistant Vice President, Marketing
UBS Financial Services, Inc
06.1998 - 11.2007
HR Administrative Manager
PaineWebber, Inc.
06.1998 - 11.2000
Marketing Associate
Lake Ridge Marketing
06.1997 - 06.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Economics and Biology
Bucknell University