Principal / Director, Product Origination & Distribution Strategy, Insurance

KKR; New York (NY); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

KKR seeks an experienced Principal/Director to drive the Defined Contribution insurance strategy, lead product development, and expand distribution through DC channels. The role sits at the intersection of strategy, structuring, client coverage, and distribution enablement to shape long-term growth for KKR Insurance.

With a focus on guaranteed income and lifetime income solutions, you will collaborate with investment, legal, distribution, and policy teams to execute a scalable plan while

Qualifications

• 9+ years in asset management, insurance, and/or annuity product distribution.
• Proven track record designing and launching annuity or retail insurance products.
• Strong project management and stakeholder coordination with senior leaders across teams.
• Familiarity with fiduciary, regulatory and operational standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the Defined Contribution channel strategy and growth roadmap across insurance.
• Lead end-to-end product development for in-plan or lifetime income solutions.
• Build strategic relationships with asset managers, record keepers, consultants, and other external parties.

Skills

Defined Contribution

Product development

Channel strategy

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Relationship building

AI tools

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Company Overview

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.

Company Overview

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.

Team Overview

Insurance New Markets & Strategic Partnerships is KKR Insurance’s dedicated team focused on growing the firm’s insurance and reinsurance platform. The team’s mandate is to expand KKR Insurance’s footprint beyond its core relationships and existing platform, including new partnerships, new channels of growth and new products. The group partners closely with investment teams, commercial team, insurance leadership, and external clients and distribution partners to diversify KKR’s funding sources and grow assets under management across new channels and geographies.

Position Summary

KKR is seeking an experienced Principal / Director to join the Insurance New Markets and Strategic Partnerships team and drive the expansion of funding sources with a focus on Defined Contribution. This individual will lead the design, structuring, and go-to-market strategy for guaranteed income within Defined Contribution. Sitting at the intersection of product strategy, structuring, client coverage, and distribution enablement, they will help shape KKR insurance’s long-term growth strategy in this channel.

Role & Responsibilities

Strategy, Development & Client Coverage

• Own the Defined Contribution channel strategy for insurance, building the roadmap for entry and scale and partnering with key leaders across both functions to define, evaluate, and recommend specific growth opportunities for insurance within Defined Contribution
• Lead end-to-end product development and structuring for in-plan or lifetime income solutions designed for distribution through Defined Contribution
• Analyze the competitive landscape, end-participant needs, regulatory developments (SEC, FINRA, state insurance regulators, ERISA), and platform trends to identify product gaps and channel expansion opportunities
• Build and manage strategic relationships with asset managers, record keepers, consultants, trust managers, and other external parties in the KKR ecosystem
• Represent the firm externally as a thought leader on in plan annuities and lifetime income within DC

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as central point of coordination across investment, legal, compliance, distribution, marketing, commercial and client teams for insurance opportunities in Defined Contribution
• Partner closely with public policy & affairs, legal, compliance, and operations to ensure product structures meet fiduciary, regulatory and operational standards
• Monitor channel performance and product uptake, incorporate asset manager or plan sponsor feedback, and drive continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience in asset management, insurance, and/or annuity product distribution, with direct exposure to product development and/or channel strategy at a top-tier asset manager, insurance carrier, or alternative platform. Direct knowledge of the DC ecosystem strongly preferred
• Strong track record designing and launching annuity or retail insurance products, and/or building out new distribution channels (DC, RIA, independent broker-dealer)
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder-coordination skills, partnering effectively with senior leaders across insurance, distribution, commercial, and investment teams
• Strong technical proficiency across insurance, multi-asset solutions, portfolio construction, and annuity/insurance product mechanics
• Comfort leveraging AI tools to accelerate market/competitive analysis, product research, and reporting
• Detailed understanding of products, vehicles, legal and other regulatory, structures, and unique investment requirements of operating insurance strategy in the Defined Contribution space
• Player coach mindset, leading by example

KKR is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law.

KKR will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [e-mail]. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

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Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. This notice applies only to applicants and employees who work or will work in Massachusetts, in accordance with applicable state law.