AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co. recently announced four new executive appointments it says is designed to support its commitment to customer-centric product design, delivery and service.

James Shepherdson

The company, which has its U.S. headquarters in New York City, announced that is board elected Andrew McMahon as president of its financial protection and wealth management business; James Shepherdson as president of its retirement savings business; and Richard V. Silver as chief administrative officer and chief legal officer. The three, along with Richard Dziadzio, chief financial officer, were also elected as senior executive vice presidents of AXA Equitable.

Christopher “Kip” Condron, chairman and chief executive officer at AXA Equitable said the new roles were created “to help support our vision to be the industry leader in providing financial advice and solutions to clients.

“Our strategic plan,” Mr. Condron said in a statement, “focuses on three key areas: expanding and diversifying our product portfolio to serve the needs of existing and new markets, building distribution to effectively deliver a broader range of products to a wider array of clients, and optimizing the management of our substantial and valuable in-force business.”

In other news:

*Constantine T. Lappas joined Great Neck, N.Y.-based First Rehab Life as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

* Jay Lown was appointed as managing director and senior member of the Financial Institutions Group for New Oak Capital of New York, N.Y.

*Alan M. Kaye, an insurance specialist, joined Lawley Insurance’s Westchester County office in Elmsford as an account representative.

*Bora Sila joined the Investment Banking Department of UBS Investment Bank as managing director and head of Americas retail coverage within the firm’s Global Consumer Products and Retail Group based in New York City.

*Paul Pasteris was appointed to the executive management committee of New York Life Insurance Co. Pasteris is senior vice president and chief operating officer for U.S. Life Insurance, responsible for overseeing individual life, group membership and the Tampa, Fla., operations.