<HTML>
<HEAD>
   <TITLE>ferroelection.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing</TITLE>
</HEAD>

<BODY bgcolor="#ffffff">

<!--$$/page=-->
<A name="page_1"></A><BR>
<a name="_bclPageBorder1"></a><DIV style="PADDING-LEFT: 17%; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 17%">
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 80%" border=0 cellSpacing=0>
<TR>
     <TD width="100%"></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD align=center>____________________</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">FORM 8-K</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">CURRENT REPORT</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR height=20>
     <TD align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Date of Report: </FONT><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">November <FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">1</FONT>, 2010</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Date of earliest event reported)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR height=20>
     <TD noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"></FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0px">&nbsp;</P>
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 80%" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0>
<TR>
     <TD width="2%"></TD>
     <TD width="3%"></TD>
     <TD width="32%"></TD>
     <TD width="23%"></TD>
     <TD width="37%"></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Delaware</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-16725</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 42-1520346</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;(State or other jurisdiction&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Commission file number)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (I.R.S. Employer</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; of incorporation)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Identification Number)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(515) 247-5111</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=5 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=right><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=right><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=right><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(17 CFR</FONT> 240.14d-2(b))</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=right><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">[</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">]</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;<FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">CFR </FONT>240.13e-4(c))</FONT></TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=5>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left></TD>
     <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0px">&nbsp;</P>
</DIV>
<HR align=center SIZE=2 width="100%" noShade>

<!--$$/page=-->
<A name="page_2"></A><BR>
<a name="_bclPageBorder2"></a><DIV style="PADDING-LEFT: 17%; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 17%">
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 80%" border=0 cellSpacing=0>
<TR>
     <TD width="50%"></TD>
     <TD width="49%"></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 2</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><B>Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of</B></FONT><B>&nbsp;</B></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><B>Principal Officers</B></FONT><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(d) On November 1, 2010, the Board of Directors of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#147;Company&#148;) elected Dennis H. Ferro as a new director of the Company and of Principal Life</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insurance Company, effective immediately. There is no arrangement or understanding between</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. Ferro and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Ferro was selected as a director. Mr.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ferro has no material interest in any prior, existing or proposed transaction or series of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; transactions with the Company or its management. Effective with his election, Mr. Ferro is a</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; member of the Finance and Strategic Issues Committees of the Board of Directors. A press</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; release announcing Mr. Ferro&#146;s election is included herewith as Exhibit 99.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">99 Press Release Concerning Election of Dennis H. Ferro, dated November 3, 2010</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">SIGNATURE</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By:</FONT>&nbsp;<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </U><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman</U></FONT><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </U></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Name:&nbsp;&nbsp; Joyce N. Hoffman</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 61px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corporate Secretary</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Date: November 3, 2010</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0px">&nbsp;</P>
</DIV>
<HR align=center SIZE=2 width="100%" noShade>

<!--$$/page=-->
<A name="page_3"></A><BR>
<a name="_bclPageBorder3"></a><DIV style="PADDING-LEFT: 17%; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 17%">
<DIV align=left>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 80%" border=0 cellSpacing=0>
<TR>
     <TD width="11%"></TD>
     <TD width="88%"></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 3</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibit 99</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Release:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">November 3, 2010</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Contact:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>
     <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Susan Houser, 515.248.2268, </FONT><FONT color=#0000ff size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">houser.susan@principal.com</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=4 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Principal Financial Group Names Dennis Ferro to Board of Directors</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Des Moines, Iowa) &#150; The Principal Financial Group</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174; </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(NYSE: PFG) today announced Dennis H. Ferro</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">joined the company&#146;s Board of Directors effective Nov. 1, 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ferro served as president and chief executive officer of Evergreen Investment Management</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Company from 2003 to 2008, and chief investment officer from 1999 to 2003. Prior to Evergreen, he served</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">in senior executive roles at several leading financial services companies including Zurich Investment</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Management, CIGNA Corporation and Bankers Trust Company (of Japan, Florida and New York).</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ferro serves on the Board of Directors of NYMAGIC, Inc., a commercial lines property-casualty</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">insurance holding company, and XStream Systems, Inc., which designs and develops material</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">authentication solutions. He also serves on the Investment Committee of the American Bankers</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Association. Ferro is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and member of the Financial Analyst Society of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">North Carolina. He earned a bachelor&#146;s degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and an MBA in</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">finance from St. John&#146;s University.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#147;We are very pleased to have Dennis joining our Board. His significant experience in international</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">markets along with his asset management background will help us as we advance our asset accumulation</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and asset management businesses,&#148; said Larry Zimpleman, chairman, president and CEO of The Principal</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174;</FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Ferro commented, &#147;I have been greatly impressed with the global business model of the Principal</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Financial Group and look forward to helping the ongoing development of its dynamic business strategy.&#148;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">For more news and insights from The Principal, connect with us on Twitter at:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT color=#0000ff size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">http://twitter.com/ThePrincipal</FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">About the Principal Financial Group</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Principal Financial Group </FONT><FONT size=1 face="SymbolMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#210; </FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(The Principal </FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&#174;</FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">)</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">1 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $305.7 billion in assets under</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">management</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and serves some 18.9 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit </FONT><FONT color=#0000ff size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">www.principal.com</FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR height=20>
     <TD colSpan=2 align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 align=center><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">###</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR height=20>
     <TD colSpan=2></TD></TR>
<TR>
     <TD colSpan=2>____________________</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">1 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">"The Principal Financial Group" and &#147;The Principal&#148; are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Financial Group.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=bottom>
     <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">2 </FONT></SUP><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">As of Sept. 30, 2010.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0px">&nbsp;</P>
</DIV>
<HR align=center SIZE=2 width="100%" noShade>

</BODY>

</HTML>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "ferroelection.htm", "description": "FERRO ELECTION", "secsgml_size_bytes": 28264}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP INC", "cik": "0001126328", "assigned-sic": "6321", "irs-number": "421520346", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "0224"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-16725", "film-number": "101162177"}, "business-address": {"street1": "711 HIGH STREET", "city": "DES MOINES", "state": "IA", "zip": "50392-0300", "phone": "5152475111"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "711 HIGH STREET", "city": "DES MOINES", "state": "IA", "zip": "50392-0300"}}
ferroelection.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report:
November
1
, 2010
(Date of earliest event reported)
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-16725
42-1520346
(State or other jurisdiction        (Commission file number)              (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)
Identification Number)
711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392
(Address of principal executive offices)
(515) 247-5111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[
]
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[
]
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[
]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
[
]
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17
CFR
240.13e-4(c))
Page 2
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of
Principal Officers
(d) On November 1, 2010, the Board of Directors of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (the
"Company") elected Dennis H. Ferro as a new director of the Company and of Principal Life
Insurance Company, effective immediately. There is no arrangement or understanding between
Mr. Ferro and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Ferro was selected as a director. Mr.
Ferro has no material interest in any prior, existing or proposed transaction or series of
transactions with the Company or its management. Effective with his election, Mr. Ferro is a
member of the Finance and Strategic Issues Committees of the Board of Directors. A press
release announcing Mr. Ferro's election is included herewith as Exhibit 99.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
99 Press Release Concerning Election of Dennis H. Ferro, dated November 3, 2010
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman
Name:   Joyce N. Hoffman
Title:     Senior Vice President and
Corporate Secretary
Date: November 3, 2010
Page 3
Exhibit 99
Release:
November 3, 2010
Contact:
Susan Houser, 515.248.2268,
houser.susan@principal.com
The Principal Financial Group Names Dennis Ferro to Board of Directors
(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Principal Financial Group
®
(NYSE: PFG) today announced Dennis H. Ferro
joined the company's Board of Directors effective Nov. 1, 2010.
Ferro served as president and chief executive officer of Evergreen Investment Management
Company from 2003 to 2008, and chief investment officer from 1999 to 2003. Prior to Evergreen, he served
in senior executive roles at several leading financial services companies including Zurich Investment
Management, CIGNA Corporation and Bankers Trust Company (of Japan, Florida and New York).
Ferro serves on the Board of Directors of NYMAGIC, Inc., a commercial lines property-casualty
insurance holding company, and XStream Systems, Inc., which designs and develops material
authentication solutions. He also serves on the Investment Committee of the American Bankers
Association. Ferro is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and member of the Financial Analyst Society of
North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and an MBA in
finance from St. John's University.
"We are very pleased to have Dennis joining our Board. His significant experience in international
markets along with his asset management background will help us as we advance our asset accumulation
and asset management businesses," said Larry Zimpleman, chairman, president and CEO of The Principal
®
.
Ferro commented, "I have been greatly impressed with the global business model of the Principal
Financial Group and look forward to helping the ongoing development of its dynamic business strategy."
For more news and insights from The Principal, connect with us on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/ThePrincipal
.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group
Ò
(The Principal
®
)
1
is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and
institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment
services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies.
A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $305.7 billion in assets under
management
2
and serves some 18.9 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe,
Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit
www.principal.com
.
###
____________________
1
"The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the
Principal Financial Group.
2
As of Sept. 30, 2010.