The appointment of Richard Goldman as president of Security Investments Corp., the asset management arm of Security Benefit, earlier this month underscores the growing importance of that business to the Topeka, Kan.-based insurer's overall business.

   According to Goldman, the insurer is looking to accelerate their expansion efforts, both organically and through potential acquisitions.

   Prior to joining Security Benefit, Goldman had served as chairman and CEO of Forstmann Leff, a New York-based money management firm. Before that, he had been the head of Deutsche Asset Management's institutional business for the Americas.

   Goldman hopes to build upon Security Investments' core competencies in the U.S. equity value investing and fixed-come arenas, where it is particularly strong in structured finance and specialized products. "We're especially interested in expanding globally and into the alternative investment strategies," he said.

   Through its 6th Avenue Investment Management business, Security Investments manages about $12.4 billion.