Financial investment management company Principal Financial Group announced the appointment of Christopher Littlefield as its new general counsel, effective Jan. 13, 2020.

Concurrently, Karen Shaff, current executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, announced her intentions to retire July 1, 2020, after 38 years with Principal.

Littlefield formerly served as president and CEO of Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Holdings. As executive vice president and general counsel, he will have responsibility for the law department and report to Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO.

Shaff will serve as an advisor to Littlefield and hold the titles of executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary until March 1, 2020, when Littlefield will assume the corporate secretary responsibilities along with oversight of government relations, community relations, and the Principal Foundation.