ING U.S. Financial Services Hires Steve Van Wyk as Chief Information Officer

ING U.S. Financial Services today announced that Steve Van Wyk has been named chief information officer (CIO), and will join the firm in March 2006 to assume responsibility for ING's comprehensive technology strategy and execution for its multiple lines of business, including defined contribution retirement plans, annuities, life insurance, mutual funds, IRAs, among others. Van Wyk joins ING U.S. from Morgan Stanley where he was a top IT executive for 10-years.

"Technology is at the heart of ING's commitment to making financial services easier for our customers, distribution partners, and other key stakeholders," said Catherine Smith, chief operating officer, ING U.S. Financial Services. "Steve possesses the strong leadership qualities, extensive industry knowledge, proven track record, and deep technical expertise required to execute successfully on ING's journey to becoming a firm that makes financial services easier. We are thrilled to add such an exceptional talent to ING's management team."

For the past four years at Morgan Stanley, he served as both CIO and COO where he managed both IT and operational aspects of the global retail businesses. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Van Wyk held senior level technology positions at Deloitte and Touche, Pella Windows, and Phillips Petroleum.

"I feel fortunate to begin this chapter of my career at a company that is clearly a powerhouse on the U.S. financial services landscape," Van Wyk said. "ING is a dynamic, multi-product, multi-channel financial services firm, and I look forward to building a technology environment that allows ING's businesses to expand in the U.S. market."

Van Wyk graduated from Central University of Iowa with a double major in Accounting and Business Management. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Internal Auditor.

Press inquiries: ING US Financial Services

Dana E. Ripley, 770.980.4865 or 404.788.9624 (cell) or dana.ripley@us.ing.com

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 113,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com

SOURCE: ING U.S. Financial Services

CONTACT: Dana E. Ripley of ING U.S. Financial Services, +1-770-980-4865,
or cell, +1-404-788-9624, or dana.ripley@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/us