OneAmerica® announced a successful completion of the integration of BMO Financial Group’s Milwaukee-based retirement division into the OneAmerica network, 16 months after the acquisition officially closed and nearly two months earlier than projected.
“Our goal was to deliver a best-in-class transition for our associates, clients and their employees while combining the forces of two historically great service-oriented companies,” said Bill Yoerger, president of Retirement Services for OneAmerica. “Not only did we complete this task, we completed integration ahead of schedule, powered by 233 associates in Wisconsin who are ready to build on a legacy.”
The integration, which culminated on Jan. 23, 2017 with a full network cutover, occurred 60 days ahead of the original 18-month timetable announced after the $26 billion acquisition, which took effect Oct. 1, 2015.
“Network cutover and integration represent a milestone accomplishment for us because we truly emphasized a team approach and best practices all along the way. We brought people together, working across functions and divisions,” said Nicolas Lance, vice president of transformation for OneAmerica.
“Much of the synergy gained through this experience will be carried forward as the team transitions its focus on initiatives to unify and enhance our customer experience, competitiveness, and systems,” Lance said.
The integration team was a major enterprise initiative with migration details from small and big, from rebranding business cards to new offices for associates.
As part of the integration, in October OneAmerica opened a state-of-the-art participant call center in Wauwatosa, Wis. and in December launched a participant website that offers a user-friendly experience to help participants and plan sponsors manage their retirement accounts. Also, on Dec. 5, 2016, OneAmerica opened a new 35-associate Participant Service Center in Indianapolis.
SOURCE OneAmerica