SIMSBURY, Conn. -- The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has appointed Marc Lieberman as president and chief executive officer of its European insurer, Hartford Life Limited.

Lieberman, who assumed his new leadership position Aug. 13, replaces Michael Kalen, who is returning to the United States as senior vice president of finance. Kalen will remain in Europe until Sept. 1 to help ensure a smooth transition.

As CEO of Hartford Life Limited, Lieberman will be responsible for strategic direction, general management, and profit and loss. Hartford Life Limited, which started operating in the U.K. in 2005, has its European headquarters in Ireland and offers retirement savings and income products in the U.K. Lieberman will report to Peter Smyth, executive vice president of The Hartford's International Markets Group. Smyth is located in Simsbury, Conn., The Hartford's global headquarters for its life operations.

"Marc brings a wealth of international management expertise to his new role and I am confident that he will continue The Hartford's momentum in the U.K.," Smyth said. "Marc brings an international perspective to the European role which will be invaluable to The Hartford as we look to continue building our U.K. business and expanding our operations in a dynamic and growing market."

Lieberman was formerly CEO of ING New Zealand, where he was responsible for leading New Zealand's largest non-bank financial services company. Prior to ING, he held senior executive positions at Constellation and Wachovia. He was managing director at Constellation, a New York-based specialty finance company serving mutual fund and annuity companies. While at Wachovia, one of the largest banking and brokerage firms in the U.S., Lieberman was a senior director of the firm's capital markets, investment management group, investment banking and structured finance.

Lieberman, who has a bachelor's degree in business studies from Buffalo State College, is vice chairman and director of the Investment Savings and Insurance Institute of New Zealand, and is also director of the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand.

Kalen, who has served as CEO of Hartford Life Limited since February 2007, helped The Hartford establish itself as a leading player in the U.K.'s retirement products market. During Kalen's tenure, The Hartford introduced an innovative personal pension product in the U.K., increased sales, and was recognized with prestigious industry awards for product design, service, e-business technology, and advertising. Recently, The Hartford was also recognized by The Great Place To Work Institute (R) as one of the top 50 best places to work in the U.K.

Upon returning to the U.S., Kalen will be appointed senior vice president, finance, in The Hartford's global headquarters, reporting to Lizabeth Zlatkus, chief financial officer of The Hartford. He will be responsible for financial management, enterprise sourcing, and corporate information technology.

The Hartford is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services companies. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Ireland.

Source: The Hartford