John Matovina, president and CEO of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., has notified the company’s board of his intention to retire, according to a filing Thursday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Matovina, who was named president and CEO in June 2012, will continue in those roles until a successor is appointed. The publicly traded West Des Moines-based annuity company said its board plans to evaluate candidates with the assistance of an executive search firm, and anticipates naming a successor by Dec. 31. The board will consider at a future date whether Matovina will continue to serve as chairman of the board following his retirement as CEO and president, according to the filing.