Steve Wevodau

NEW YORK, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — National Financial Partners Corp. (NYSE: NFP - News), a national network of independent financial advisors specializing in life insurance and wealth transfer, corporate and executive benefits, and financial planning and investment advisory services, today announced that John P. Vanderheyden has joined NFP’s broker-dealer, NFP Securities, Inc. (NFPSI), as senior vice president and chief operating officer of NFPSI.Vanderheyden will lead new technology initiatives, brokerage and service divisions, as well as the operations of NFPSI. He will report to James L. Poer, president of NFPSI.

“John’s background and depth of experience, particularly in strategic planning and day-to-day operations, are valuable assets for our firms as they seek to further strengthen their relationships with clients and deliver top-notch advice and services. We look forward to his contributions,” said Jessica M. Bibliowicz, chairman, president and chief executive officer, NFP.

“John’s focus is on enhancing the advisor experience, whether he’s involved in technology, operations or resource management. We welcome the expertise he brings to the organization,” said James L. Poer, president, NFPSI.

Prior to joining NFP, Vanderheyden was senior vice president for Fidelity Investments (National Financial) where he most recently built and led its Program Management Office, overseeing strategic planning and resource management initiatives. As senior vice president he held previous positions as head of Product Consulting until 2005 and Relationship Management until 2003, developing customized programs that increased sales and strengthened client relationships.

“I have watched the growth of NFP’s broker-dealer over the years and am impressed with the opportunities NFP brings to independent advisors and to the clients they serve,” said Vanderheyden. “I’m excited to be a part of this management team.”

Vanderheyden joined Fidelity in 2000 from Dain Rauscher, a full-service financial and securities management firm, where he served as senior vice president directing mutual fund, fee-based and financial planning product development from 1995. He joined the firm as senior vice president of technical planning in 1992. Vanderheyden began his career as a systems sales engineer with IBM in Minneapolis, MN.

Vanderheyden has a Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota, both in international business. He holds his NASD Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 and is a Certified Financial Planner.

About National Financial Partners Corp.

Founded in 1998, NFP is a leading independent distributor of financial services products to high net worth individuals and companies. NFP is headquartered in New York and operates a distribution network of over 180 owned firms and more than 320 member firms. For more information, please visit www.nfp.com.