New York Life has appointed nine-year company veteran Michael McDonnell to be general counsel.

McDonnell will have day-to-day oversight of the company's insurance and agency, investments, corporate practice, and tax teams. He will report to Chief Legal and Administrative Officer Sheila Davidson, who's been the legal chief for 31 years.

New York Life is America's largest mutual life insurer, meaning it is owned by its policyholders. Founded in 1845, it offers life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement income and investments. It has 11,400 employees and boasted $51.2 billion in revenue last year.