Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance in the United States, announced today that Michael J. Tomlinson, a 34-year sales veteran with Aflac U.S., has been named senior vice president, director of Sales. Tomlinson is replacing Thomas R. Giddens, who is stepping down from this position effective at the end of 2014. 

Tomlinson, 56, joined Aflac in 1980 as a sales associate in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Mike progressed through the Aflac coordinator ranks of district sales coordinator (DSC) and regional sales coordinator (RSC) in Minnesotabefore assuming the role of State Sales Coordinator (SSC) of North and South Dakota in 1989, which is currently the leading state organization in Aflac for sales per capita and in force premium per capita as well as one of Aflac's top overall producing states.  Mike was promoted to the position of vice president, territory director for the Central Territory in May 2008.

Regarding the announcement about Tomlinson, Aflac Chairman and CEO Daniel P. Amos said, "Mike has performed exceptionally well each stop along the way during his lengthy career at Aflac, particularly in leading our North Dakota and South Dakota operation to the highest penetration level in the country. He commands the respect of the hard-working field force and is admired throughout the company. Mike has the proven track record and capability to create a new era of dramatic sales growth here at Aflac."

Giddens added, "After more than 30 years with Aflac I am confident that our passionate and dedicated sales team is in good hands with a leader like Mike Tomlinson at the helm. With more than three decades under his belt, Mike knows exactly what our independent agents and brokers need to succeed. He is the right person for the job."

Giddens, 59, joined Aflac in 1983 as assistant vice president before serving in the field for more than 20 years, where he became the youngest person ever named to the Aflac Sales Hall of Fame. He was a regional sales coordinator in Atlanta where he consistently exceeded goals, resulting in his promotion to state sales coordinator of Georgia-North. Throughout his career as an RSC, his region was recognized four times as the top performing region in terms of new annualized premium sales. As SSC, Tom was recognized as the company's top salesperson for three consecutive years, earning the company's all-time sales record in 2006. Tom currently serves on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Aflac Credit Union. 

"In my 24 years as CEO, I have seen some great salesmen and saleswomen. Tom Giddens is the best of the best," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amossaid. "We will miss Tom's daily leadership, but are pleased that he will stay on as an advisor and to help Mike Tomlinson acclimate to his new role, leading this critical function on behalf of our company."

"Tom Giddens always set the bar high," Aflac U.S. President Teresa Whiteadded. "Through his long tenure at Aflac, Tom mentored and guided hundreds of successful sales agents. He is a true leader, respected by his team, his protegees and his industry."