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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Protective Life Corporation (NYSE: PL) (aProtectivea) today announced that Frank Sottosanti joined Protective on March 26, 2012 as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer and John Sawyer has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Distribution Officer.

"Frank is a seasoned marketing professional. He has a wealth of experience developing and leading consumer centric marketing strategies"

As Chief Marketing Officer, Sottosanti will be responsible for providing vision and leadership for the strategic development and management of the Companyas consumer focused marketing efforts. The Company recently introduced the evolution of its mission and strategy, including a new brand in February 2012. aFrank is a seasoned marketing professional. He has a wealth of experience developing and leading consumer centric marketing strategies,a said Carolyn M. Johnson, Protectiveas Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. aFrank is a great addition to our team at a time when we are keenly focused on meeting the wants and needs of customers and providing the capabilities and platform to optimize our growth.a

Mr. Sawyer assumes responsibility for all sales, account management and marketing within the Companyas Life and Annuity Division. aDuring his 20 years at Protective John has worked extensively with the annuity and life insurance segments and been instrumental in the development of distributor relationships,a commented Johnson.

John D. Johns, Protectiveas Chairman, President and CEO said, aWe are delighted to fill these key positions with two such highly qualified individuals. Their leadership will drive new energy into our strategic initiatives.a

ABOUT FRANK SOTTOSANTI

Sottosanti most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of BBVA Compass Bank. AT BBVA Compass he was responsible for all aspects of brand, product, segment, and line of business marketing for the U.S. operation of BBVA Group, a multinational financial services firm headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Sottosanti previously served in a variety of senior roles, including marketing leadership roles for Wachovia Bank, Bank of America, and the Coca-Cola Company.

ABOUT JOHN SAWYER

John Sawyer most recently led the Annuity business segment as Senior Vice President. Over the last five years under his leadership the segment sales grew over 180% from $1.2 billion in 2006 to $3.4 billion in 2011 and Protective moved into position as a top-15 annuity company.

ABOUT PROTECTIVE LIFE CORPORATION

Protective Life Corporation provides financial services through the production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment products throughout the U.S. It has annual revenues of approximately $3.6 billion and as of December31, 2011 had assets of approximately $52.9 billion.