$41 billion insurance provider MetLife, has named Nicholas Latrenta general counsel. He succeeds James Lipscomb, who retired from the position at the end of April after almost 38 years of service.

As general counsel and head of MetLife's legal affairs organization, Latrenta will lead the company's global legal operations. He also will oversee MetLife's government and industry relations department and the company's corporate ethics and compliance group.

Latrenta had been serving as senior chief counsel, overseeing legal matters for MetLife's U.S. and International businesses since March 2007. Previously, he had been chief counsel for the company's Institutional Business. From October 2000 through June 2004, Latrenta was senior vice president, Institutional Business.

In this role, he was responsible for the management, product development and positioning of MetLife's group life, disability, dental, long-term care and legal plans businesses and related marketing, planning, and business development activities. In 1999, he headed MetLife's International business. Previously, he also served as head of the company's corporate accounts pensions group and also as vice president and corporate secretary. He held several positions in MetLife's law department after joining the company in 1969 as a trainee in the personal life insurance administration department.