Aflac 2010 Annual Report Download - page 8

A C O N V E R S A T I O N W I T H C H A I R M A N A N D C E O D A N A M O S
Q: What do you think is your greatest
challenge in the next couple of years?
A: The low interest rate environment,
especially in Japan – and how to invest
our huge cash flows to achieve strong
investment returns while maintaining a
high credit quality investment portfolio.
Q: Having achieved long-term
success, how do you take Aflac’s
success to the next level?
A: Keep on doing what Aflac does best – and
then doing it even better. Our focus is
squarely on voluntary products. That’s
all we do, so we better be the best.
Q: As CEO, what do you see as your
most important responsibility?
A: To be extremely transparent and ensure
that the investors and employees
understand what our objectives are and
how we are going to achieve them.
Q: You’ve just finished 21 years as
CEO and you’re 59 years old. How
long do you plan on staying?
A: Well, since I don’t play golf, I wouldn’t
make a “good” retiree. I plan to be
around for at least another 10 years. As
long as our shareholders and board of
directors are happy with me, I am honored
to have this privilege here at Aflac.
.
Q: What is the biggest differentiator
between Aflac and your competitors
in the U.S. and Japan?
A: Our ability to pay claims quickly and
accurately. For example, in the U.S., we
pay most claims within four days. Also, our
tight expense control allows us to offer the
best value to consumers in both countries.
Q: What is the biggest misperception
about Aflac in the U.S.?
A: Because of our national advertising
campaign, some small businesses have
the impression that our products are
geared only for big employers. That’s
not true – our focus has always been on
small businesses, and in fact, 90% of our
accounts have fewer than 100 workers.
6