Wendy Carlson will succeed David Noble as president and CEO of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. (AEL) effective Jan. 1, apparently becoming the first woman to lead an Iowa-based insurance company.

“Dave has reached the point where he would like to pull back,” said Carlson, who seemed to take in stride the suggestion that she was taking an historic step in the state insurance industry.

Succession planning was hastened when Kevin Wingert, who also would have been in line to succeed Noble, announced that he would like to form a national marketing organization, Carlson said.

“We’re always pleased to see individuals reach out to attain their goals. Kevin has been an integral part of our success here at American Equity and we will enjoy our continued relationship with him through his new agency,” Noble said in a news release announcing the new company.

Wingert will resign as president of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co. (American Equity Life) and director of AEL effective Jan. 1 to launch American Retirement Systems LLC.

Carlson has served as chief financial officer and general counsel of AEL and American Equity Life since June 1999, as well as director of AEL since September 2008 and director of American Equity Life since June 2006.

The company also announced other changes in senior management John Matovina will become vice chairman, chief financial officer and treasurer of AEL; Ron Grensteiner will become president of American Equity Life; and Debra Richardson will become chief administrative officer, executive vice president and secretary of American Equity Life.

Noble founded the company in 1995 and has served in all major management positions.

“We’re very excited,” Carlson said. “I’ve been a part of this organization really from its inception, having worked with Dave from the beginning. I’ve learned so much.”