Retirement services company Athene Holding announced Doug Niemann has been appointed executive vice president and chief risk officer, effective May 18. Niemann joins the company as John Rhodes has decided to step down from his role as EVP and chief risk officer due to health reasons.

Niemann was formerly senior managing director of investment management and chief investment risk officer for Guardian Life Insurance Company. He will report to Athene President Bill Wheeler and the board chair of Athene’s Risk Committee.

Rhodes will serve through the transition in an advisory capacity over the next several weeks.