Athene Holding appoints new president

Bermuda-based life insurance firm Athene Holding, owner of subsidiary Athene Life Re, has appointed William J Wheeler as president, effective September 28, 2015.

Wheeler brings 28 years of insurance and financial services experience to the US-based retirement insurance firm. He joins the Athene from MetLife, where he served as president, Americas and managed the insurance and retirement businesses in the US and Latin America.

Wheeler held various roles during his 17 years at MetLife, including executive vice president (EVP) and chief financial officer. He also served as treasurer where he played a key role in preparing MetLife to become a public company and was an investment banker for 10 years at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.

Grant Kvalheim will continue as chief executive officer (CEO) of Athene USA.

Athene Chairman and CEO Jim Belardi said: “I am pleased to have Bill join our strong executive team. He has a wealth of experience and an impressive background in the insurance industry and retirement savings sector.

“He is a talented executive with a wide range of capabilities, which we are confident will benefit Athene as we continue to grow our business. We look forward to working with him.”

Wheeler commented: “I am excited to join the Athene executive team – a group that has already accomplished important milestones as it continues to expand on its prominent position in the retirement services industry.

“I look forward to working with the team to produce significant profitable growth, deliver strong financial results and help take the company public.”