Lizabeth Zlatkus, the executive vice president and chief risk officer of The Hartford, has announced that she will be retiring, effective from the fourth quarter of 2011.

Zlatkus joined the firm in 1983. Throughout her career at the company she has served in a number of operational and finance roles, including as president of international wealth management and group benefits, co-chief operating officer of life operations, and as chief financial officer of the whole business. With her imminent departure, the company is now launching an internal and external search for her successor.

"She [Zlatkus] and her team have made significant progress in improving the company's overall risk profile and fostering a consistent approach to risk management," said Liam McGee, the firm's president and chief executive.