Nationwide Financial Selects Anne Arvia to Lead Nationwide's Retirement Plans Business

Since launching the bank, Arvia has successfully spearheaded a strategy that has resulted in the accumulation of more than $2.7 billion in assets in just two short years. By capitalizing on the breadth of its Nationwide Mutual parent company, growth for the bank has been a direct result of leveraging existing customer relationships across the insurance and financial services businesses and reaching new customers from a unique market position of capital strength and liquidity.

"During her time at Nationwide, I have been impressed by Anne's leadership, integrity and proven ability to successfully develop and execute business strategies," said Mark R. Thresher, president and COO of Nationwide Financial. "Her deep knowledge of financial services and experience navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing industry will be instrumental to strengthening our competitive position in the retirement plans market."

Arvia's leadership during the financial markets crisis was most recently recognized by US Banker, which just last week named her one of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking" a recognition she also received in 2005. She was also featured as one of the "100 Most Influential Women," by Crain's Chicago Business' and was named to the publication's "Forty Under 40."

"I'm extremely proud of what we've accomplished at Nationwide Bank over the past several years and I am looking forward to taking on a new challenge," said Arvia. "I'm excited to lead this business at a time when there is such great opportunity to help the many Americans who are concerned about their financial future and are looking for help growing and managing their retirement assets."

Arvia joined Nationwide in 2006 after 15 years with ShoreBank, America's first lending and community development bank, where she had most recently served as the president and CEO.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide Financial, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

SOURCE: Nationwide

Nationwide 
Jeff Whetzel, 614-249-6354 
whetzej@nationwide.com 
or 
Carah Brody, 614-677-0275 
brodyc@nationwide.com