UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 6, 2010

SYMETRA FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		001-33808 (Commission File Number)		20-0978027 (IRS Employer Identification Number)

777 108th Avenue NE, Suite 1200
Bellevue, Washington (Address of principal executive offices)		98004 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (425) 256-8000

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o		Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o		Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o		Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o		Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Richard Lindsay, senior vice president of Symetra’s Life & Annuities Division and a named executive officer of Symetra will be leaving the company. Mr. Lindsay’s employment is currently expected to terminate on or about August 31, 2010, or such other date as may be agreed by the parties. Symetra expects to enter into a separation agreement with Mr. Lindsay. On an interim basis, Jennifer Davies, senior vice president of Symetra’s Enterprise Development, will assume the additional leadership responsibilities formerly associated with Mr. Lindsay’s position.

Symetra issued a press release on August 6, 2010 announcing that Mr. Lindsay will be leaving the company, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

99.1

Press Release of Symetra Financial Corporation, dated August 6, 2010.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 6, 2010

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number				Description of Exhibit
	99.1			Press Release of Symetra Financial Corporation, dated August 6, 2010.

Exhibit 99.1

News Release
Diana McSweeney
Symetra Financial
(425) 256-6167
diana.mcsweeney@symetra.com

Symetra Financial Announces Executive Changes

BELLEVUE, Wash. — (Aug. 6, 2010) — Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) today announced the departure of two executives in its life insurance and annuities business.

Richard Lindsay, senior vice president of Symetra’s Life and Annuities Division, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Jennifer Davies, who will add this responsibility to her current duties as senior vice president of Enterprise Development.

“Jennifer knows our business well, and I have every confidence in her ability to keep our operations running smoothly and drive our strategies forward while we recruit new leadership,” said Tom Marra, Symetra president and chief executive officer.

Mike Madden, vice president of Individual Life, announced plans to retire from Symetra after 33 years with the company. Laura Johnson, assistant vice president, will run the Individual Life operations until a new leader is named.

“We are grateful to Rich and Mike for their contributions to Symetra over the years, and we wish them all the best in the future,” said Marra. “As we conduct an external search for new leaders, we will be looking for experienced executives to direct the expansion of our life insurance business while continuing our strong market positions in Retirement Services and Income Annuities.”

About Symetra Financial

Symetra Financial Corporation (NYSE: SYA) is a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Wash. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions, and independent agents and advisors. For more information, visit www.symetra.com.