Aflac Incorporated announced that it has hired Rich Williams as executive vice president and chief distribution officer, reporting to Teresa L. White, president of Aflac U.S. In this newly created role, Williams will be responsible for growth of the business through leading the fully aligned distribution team of career agents and brokerage professionals. He will work closely with the key leaders of the career and broker distribution teams to capitalize on Aflac's strategic growth objectives in the U.S.

Williams' career is well balanced with an emphasis on business strategy combined with strong execution developing into consistent positive results. Prior to joining Aflac, he was senior vice president and general manager, Stop Loss, at Unum, U.S., and senior vice president, Growth Markets at Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company. He also held various positions of increasing responsibility with Strategic Resource Company (an Aetna Company) and began his career as an actuary with William M. Mercer Inc. In previous positions throughout his career, Williams was responsible for strategically delivering double-digit sales growth in key sectors of the business, while teams under his leadership produced consistent sales gains in both the traditional agency and brokerage distribution markets. He has also successfully led a number of strategic distribution partnerships as well as enrollment technology and product development initiatives. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wofford College and a Master of Arts degree from Wake Forest University. He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Carolina. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

"All of us at Aflac are delighted to have Rich onboard in this key, strategic role. The development of this new position is part of the planned natural evolution of Aflac U.S. strategy. This will enable Aflac U.S. to continue to focus on the alignment and growth of its current distribution model as well as developing further distribution as part of its strategic plan and as markets naturally evolve. Rich's expertise will be critical as we continue to develop and implement our sales strategy. He brings a wealth of experience to the position that will serve all of our stakeholders well," said Teresa White, president of Aflac U.S.

"I look forward to working with our distribution teams to help propel growth in Aflac's U.S. sales," Williams said. "Relying on our strength as the market leader, we will harness the power of the Aflac sales organization and tremendous brand to expand delivery of our much-needed products to more consumers."