The Hartford Financial Services Group is looking to capture a bigger share of the middle market for 401(k) defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans.

The company, based in Simsbury, Conn., has set forth several initiatives designed to expand its reach in that market, including the appointment of a new vice president of retirement plans mid-market. The appointee, Denise Diana, will create a new team of middle market specialists to support financial advisors, registered investment advisors and consultants, and identify mid-market development opportunities.

“The Hartford has been building its considerable capabilities to serve the middle market for some time, including three strategic acquisitions that expanded our scale and core competencies,” said Sharon Ritchey, executive vice president and director of The Hartford’s Retirement Plans Group. “We’ve added new technology capabilities, new product solutions for both defined contribution and defined benefit plans, and new leadership to help us accelerate growth.”

In September, The Hartford is launching a series of forums for advisors that will unveil new research on retirement plan sponsors’ and participants’ evolving needs, and new approaches in meeting them. The forums, “A Dose of Reality: Strong, No Sugar,” will consist of practice management modules and insights into The Hartford’s new middle-market initiatives. The seminars will take place in Boston, Atlanta, Irving, Texas, and San Francisco. Diana and other executives from The Hartford’s Retirement Plans Group will be on hand.