Principal Financial Group 2011 Annual Report Download - page 19

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PROVIDE LONG-TERM SAVINGS OPTIONS
FOR A GROWING MIDDLE CLASS
n Expand our footprint in Mexico—To expand the
company’s business in Mexico and Latin America,
Principal International acquired 100 percent of
HSBC AFORE. The acquisition added scale to our
mandatory defined contribution operations in Mexico,
making The Principal the seventh largest AFORE
in Mexico.
n Establish a long-term investing product in India—
We opened an additional office in Mumbai in 2011
to further establish our presence in India, one of the
fastest-growing markets for long-term investing.
Through Principal Retirement Advisors in India,
we’ll be one of the first retirement leaders in the market.
MEET GLOBAL INVESTOR DEMAND
n Grow global investment capabilities—In 2011,
Principal Global Investors acquired a majority stake
in Finisterre Capital and Origin Asset Management,
two London-based asset management firms focused
internationally with an emphasis on emerging and
global developed markets.
2011 Investment Brand of the Year—The Principal
was named the Investment Brand of the Year according
to the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study, which
measures consumer perceptions of more than 1,200
brands driven by three factors: familiarity, quality and
purchase consideration.
DEVELOP INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
n Streamline work for advisors and clients—Individual
Life developed an eApplication that reduces the sales
cycle time for advisors and their customers by
facilitating data collection and gathering electronic
signatures from clients.
Technology innovator—The Principal Financial
Group was recognized by InformationWeek as one
of the most innovative users of technology in the
United States. The Principal earned a spot on the
2011 list in part because of its creative recovery
process in Chile, which allowed business to be
operational the day after one of the largest earthquakes
in Chilean history.
CREATE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
2011 Freedom Award recipient—The Principal
earned the Department of Defense’s highest recognition
awarded to employers for support of employees serving
in the Guard and Reserve. The company was also the
recipient of the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard
and Reserve 2011 Governor’s Award, which recognizes
exemplary Iowa employers.  
Best company for working mothers—For the 10th
time, the Principal Financial Group was recognized
as one of the Working Mother 100 Best Companies.
A strong culture of flexibility, programs that support
work-life balance and advancement for women in the
company were among the reasons we were honored.
Best place to work in IT—Computerworld magazine
named The Principal to its list of Best Places to
Work in Information Technology. The company
was recognized specifically for providing IT employees
a stimulating and highly collaborative work
environment, while providing great benefits and
a flexible work program.
ACT RESPONSIBLY AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
n Sponsor a carbon-neutral golf tournament—It wasn’t
just that the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament
in June 2011 raised $750,000 for local charities that
made it special. We were also the first company to
sponsor a carbon-neutral Champions Tour golf tournament,
which included on-site solar powered compactors and
recycling centers, electric golf carts and solar power for
skybox televisions.
2011 Environmental Impact Award winner—
The Greater Des Moines Partnership recognized
The Principal as its 2011 Environmental Impact
Award winner in the large business category.
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP | 2011 year in review | 17