The Hartford Announces Key Executive Appointments To Drive Continued Growth In Its Japan Operations

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) announced today two key executive appointments for its Japan operations. These appointments will help The Hartford capitalize on the rapidly growing retirement savings and investment products marketplace in Japan. David Levenson, chief product and distribution officer for Hartford Life Insurance K.K., The Hartford’s Japanese subsidiary, has been appointed chief operating officer. He will report to Greg Boyko, chief executive officer of Hartford Life Insurance K.K. In addition, Lyndon Oliver, senior vice president, will relocate from The Hartford’s life insurance operations in Connecticut to Japan to assume the new role of Hartford Life’s chief product and competitive intelligence officer. "David and Lyndon each bring significant skills and expertise that will help The Hartford continue to grow and diversify its operations in Japan,” said Lizabeth Zlatkus, president of The Hartford’s International Wealth Management and Group Benefits division. "We are repositioning talent within our organization to take advantage of future growth opportunities in Japan’s rapidly growing retirement savings and investment products market.” The Japanese variable annuity market, with $108 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2006 (the latest figure available), is expanding rapidly as retirement savers demand new products to meet a wider range of savings and investment needs. Morgan Stanley has projected the market will reach $350 billion in assets by 2010. The Hartford is the No. 1 provider of variable annuities in Japan based on its $29.6 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2006. As COO, Levenson will be responsible for product development, distribution, finance, customer service and information technology. Levenson came to Hartford Life in Japan in August 2006 from Hartford Investment Management Company, The Hartford’s Connecticut-based investment management subsidiary, where he was responsible for developing several new business initiatives. Previously, he led The Hartford’s retail products group within the U.S. Wealth Management Group. Under his leadership, The Hartford became the fastest growing non-proprietary mutual fund company to reach $30 billion in assets. Reporting to Levenson will be Oliver, who will lead all product development initiatives for Hartford Life in Japan. Since June 2006, Oliver has directed strategy, development and operations for The Hartford’s International Wealth Management division. Previously, he was chief financial officer and director of product management for international operations, responsible for the financial and actuarial operations of The Hartford’s subsidiaries in Japan, Brazil and Europe. "With these new appointments, The Hartford is building and deepening its management capabilities in Japan,” Zlatkus said. "I am confident that David and Lyndon will help The Hartford to further its leadership position in the Japanese annuity and retirement products marketplace.” The Hartford, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, with 2006 revenues of $26.5 billion. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and group benefits; automobile and homeowners products; and business property and casualty insurance. International operations are located in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com. HIG-L Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.