Aflac Incorporated announced today that it has hired Daniel J. Lebish to the newly created position of executive vice president; chief operating officer, Aflac Group Insurance, reporting to Kenneth S. Janke, president of Aflac U.S.; executive vice president and deputy chief financial officer of Aflac Incorporated. In his new position, Lebish will be working out of the Columbia, S.C. organization, where he will oversee the day-to-day operating activities, performance goals and strategic initiatives of Aflac Group Insurance.

Lebish has more than 30 years of experience in the health care management and insurance industries. Most recently, he served as executive vice president at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. In this role, he was responsible for building Highmark's new provider organization and related integrated delivery system. During his tenure with Highmark, he also served as chairman and chief executive officer of HM Insurance Group and United Concordia Companies, as well as senior vice president of business development. Prior to his career at Highmark, he was executive vice president of medical delivery systems at Coventry Health Plans, chief financial officer at Magee-Womens Hospital and health care management consultant at Ernst & Ernst. Lebish earned a bachelor's degree in finance from St. Norbert College and a master of health services administration degree from Ohio State University.

President of Aflac U.S. and Executive Vice President; Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Aflac Incorporated Kenneth S. Janke commented, "We are extremely pleased that Dan has joined Aflac Group Insurance. I believe his extensive experience with both the group insurance market and insurance broker distribution, combined with his strong leadership skills, will complement and strengthen the Aflac Group organization. I look forward to his contributions and I have no doubt that he will be instrumental to the future success of Aflac Group, ultimately benefiting Aflac U.S."