Axa Equitable Life Insurance has appointed David O'Leary to lead the financial protection division, which houses Axa's life insurance business.

His title, executive vice president, is subject to board approval in September.

O'Leary reports to Andrew McMahon, senior executive vice president and president of the company's financial protection and wealth management business.

With more than 25 years experience as a life insurance industry executive, O'Leary will be taking charge of a life insurance operation in the process of expanding its product offerings.

In this new role, O'Leary is responsible for the four major units of the financial protection division: business management and operations, product life cycle management, product design and manufacturing; and distribution management.

O'Leary most recently was executive vice president and chief operating officer of American General Life Insurance, a unit of American International Group.

"We're delighted to have a proven leader like David joining our team at such an exciting time in our 151-year history in the life insurance industry," McMahon says.

Before joining American General in 2006, O'Leary headed up the annuity business at Mass Mutual Financial Group, following stints at Aetna Financial Services, Cigna Individual Insurance, and Security-Connecticut Life Insurance.