American Advisors Group is expanding its national field sales team with two new hires who will work toward the expansion of reverse mortgage affinity partnerships for the company.

Industry veterans Jeff James and Phil Walker have joined AAG and will work toward the company’s strategic growth through external partnerships including those with home builders and developers, financial planners and associated brokers.

James, who will serve as AAG vice president, builder division and business development, brings more than 18 years of experience as a mortgage and real estate professional, having specialized in fostering large scale community relationships and new construction finance.

Walker will serve as vice president of AAG’s financial planner division and business development. He brings 20 years of mortgage experience and has served as a financial advisor both for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch.

“We are thrilled to have prominent reverse mortgage professionals like Jeff and Phil join the AAG family with their respective areas of specialization,” said Kevin Blakeney, senior vice president of AAG’s national field sales force. “Jeff and Phil will work closely with builders and financial planners to promote reverse mortgage loans as a means to expand business and help senior clientele achieve their retirement planning goals.”

In February, AAG expanded its national field sales presence through the acquisition of the reverse mortgage division of New York-based Associated Mortgage Bankers. Prior to the acquisition, in January, AAG absorbed 90% of the employees of Reverse Mortgage USA, providing additional retail expansion opportunities.

Written by Elizabeth Ecker