Former Brighthouse Financial Inc. CFO Anant Bhalla is joining American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. as president and CEO.

Bhalla will succeed John Matovina, who will retire from the president role on Jan. 27 and as CEO on March 1.

Bhalla will also be appointed to American Equity's board on Jan. 27, while Matovina will continue to serve as nonexecutive board chairman.