US life insurer Pacific Life has announced the appointment of Jay Orlandi as its next General Counsel, effective November 2.
Orlandi joins Pacific Life from Transamerica, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
At Transamerica, he was responsible for all business support functions, including legal, communications, human resources, corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, data analytics, information security, and marketing.
In addition, Orlandi recently served as the acting CEO for the company’s Individual Solutions business including life and long-term care insurance, fixed and variable annuities, and mutual funds.
Orlandi has more than 20 years of legal experience and began his career in private practice with the Los Angeles firm of Barger & Wolen, spending five years handling insurance regulatory and complex business litigation matters.
After moving to Transamerica, he spent four years as General Counsel before being promoted to Chief Legal and Administrative Officer in 2018 and to COO in 2019.
“Jay’s deep knowledge of the insurance industry coupled with his strong governance and regulatory background make him especially well-suited to serve as our next general counsel,” said Pacific Life Chairman, President and CEO Jim Morris.
“In addition, his operational background and experience as a trusted counselor with senior leaders and board members will serve as an invaluable asset as we continue with our transformational efforts at Pacific Life.”
Orlandi succeeds outgoing General Counsel Sharon Cheever, who is retiring after four decades at Pacific Life.
She joined the company in 1986 as an Assistant Vice President in Investment Law, was promoted to Vice President of Investment Counsel in 1992, and was appointed as General Counsel in 2008.
“During her tenure at Pacific Life, Sharon and her team built a highly-regarded legal organization that has counseled our business areas on a wide variety of complex legal, legislative and business issues, helping us become a leading life insurer in our industry,” said Morris.
“She has been a trusted source of support and advice, and has used her wisdom and experience to represent our interests in countless business, M&A, legislative and legal matters. I wish Sharon all the best in her much-deserved retirement.”
