WEST DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 19, 2012-- American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), a leading underwriter of index and fixed rate annuities, regretfully announced today that Wendy C. Waugaman, Chief Executive Officer and President and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, passed away yesterday after a courageous battle with cancer. David J. Noble, Executive Chairman, said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our respected colleague and friend. Wendy was dedicated to the success of American Equity and an industry leader in the fixed index annuity business. On behalf of everyone at American Equity, we offer our condolences to her family, and our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.”

ABOUT AMERICAN EQUITY

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, is a full service underwriter of a broad line of fixed annuity and life insurance products, with a primary emphasis on the sale of index and fixed rate annuities. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, a New York Stock Exchange Listed company (NYSE: AEL), is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, please visit www.american-equity.com.

Source: American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer
515-457-1813, jmatovina@american-equity.com
or
Julie L. LaFollette, Director of Investor Relations
515-273-3602, jlafollette@american-equity.com
or
Debra J. Richardson, Chief Administrative Officer
515-273-3551, drichardson@american-equity.com