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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=5 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">FORM 8-K</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=4 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">CURRENT REPORT</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap 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>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap 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">January 30, 2012</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=5 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 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>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 20px" 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;&nbsp;&nbsp; Delaware</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD colSpan=2 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1-16725&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></B>&nbsp;<B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">42-1520346</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=3 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (State or other jurisdiction&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Commission file number)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(I.R.S. Employer</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp; of incorporation)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><B><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(515) 247-5111</FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=center><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code)</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=4 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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; ]</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>

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   <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>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Officers</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On January 30, 2012, the Board of Directors of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8220;Company&#8221;) elected Luca Maestri as a new director of the Company and of Principal Life</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insurance Company, effective February 1, 2012. There is no arrangement or understanding</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; between Mr. Maestri and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Maestri was selected as a</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; director. Mr. Maestri has no material interest in any prior, existing or proposed transaction or</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; series of transactions with the Company or its management.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Effective with his election, Mr. Maestri is a member of the Audit and Finance Committees of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the Board of Directors. Mr. Maestri&#8217;s compensation as a non-employee director will be</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; consistent with that provided to all Company non-employee directors, as described in the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Company&#8217;s most recent proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 6px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the established compensation program for non-employee directors, Mr. Maestri</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; received a pro-rated grant of 1,197 shares of Company restricted stock units, determined based</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; upon the effective date of his election.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A press release announcing Mr. Maestri&#8217;s election is included herewith as Exhibit 99.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">99&nbsp;&nbsp; Press Release Concerning Election of Luca Maestri, dated February 1, 2012</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 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; SIGNATURE</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 10px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&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>

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   <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>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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; By:</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</U></TD></TR>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Name:&nbsp; Joyce N. Hoffman</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Corporate Secretary</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=3 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Date:&nbsp;&nbsp; February 2, 2012</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

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   <TD colSpan=2 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <U>EXHIBIT 99</U></FONT></B></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Release:</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Feb. 1, 2012</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Contact:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Susan Houser, 515.248.2268, </FONT><STRONG><U><FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">houser.susan@principal.com</FONT><FONT style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</FONT></U></STRONG></TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><B><FONT size=4 face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Principal Financial Group Names Luca Maestri to Board of Directors</FONT></B>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">(Des Moines, Iowa) &#8211; 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) announced that Luca Maestri,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">executive vice president and chief financial officer of Xerox Corporation, joined 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">Board of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Directors effective Feb. 1, 2012.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &#8220;We are very pleased to welcome Luca to our Board. His extensive international and financial</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">experience will help guide our continued international expansion and leadership in global investment</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">management and retirement services,&#8221; said Larry D. Zimpleman, chairman, president and chief executive</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">officer of The Principal.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maestri is responsible for all finance, treasury, investor relations, risk management, mergers and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">acquisitions, tax and audit operations at Xerox. He joined Xerox as CFO in February 2011 after serving as</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">CFO of Nokia Siemens Networks since 2008. Prior to Xerox, Maestri held senior executive finance</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">positions with General Motors (GM) Corporation and worked at GM for 20 years. He served as CFO of</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">GM Europe and GM Brazil, and was Executive-In-Charge of the Fiat Alliance for GM Europe in</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Switzerland.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD>

   <TD noWrap align=left>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maestri received a bachelor&#8217;s degree in economics from LUISS University in Rome, and a master&#8217;s</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">degree in science of management from Boston University.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maestri commented, &#8220;I look forward to working closely with The Principal on continued expansion</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">as the company deepens its extensive global reach and executes its aggressive growth strategy.&#8221;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="TEXT-INDENT: 5px" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more news and insights from The Principal, connect with us on Twitter at:</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" colSpan=2 noWrap align=left><FONT style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>http://twitter.com/ThePrincipal</U></FONT><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Page 4</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

<TR>

   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Principal Financial Group</FONT><SUP><FONT size=2 face=SymbolMT,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&#174; </FONT></SUP><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 global investment management leader including</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">retirement services, insurance solutions and asset management. The Principal offers businesses, individuals</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement, asset</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">management and insurance through its diverse family of financial services companies. Founded in 1879 and</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">a member of the FORTUNE 500</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">, the Principal Financial Group has $320.8 billion in assets under</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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 17.8 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe,</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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>

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   <TD 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 style="COLOR: #000000" size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif"><U>www.principal.com</U></FONT><FONT style="COLOR: #000000"><FONT size=2 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">.</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD align=left><FONT size=2 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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ###</FONT></TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=2 face=Calibri,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif>&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD>__________________&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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">&#8220;The Principal Financial Group&#8221; and &#8220;The Principal&#8221; are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD noWrap align=left><FONT size=1 face="TimesNewRomanPSMT,Times New Roman,Times,serif">Principal Financial Group.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR>

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   <TD 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 September 30, 2011.</FONT>&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>

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maestrielection.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:
January 30, 2012
(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 January 30, 2012, the Board of Directors of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (the
"Company") elected Luca Maestri as a new director of the Company and of Principal Life
Insurance Company, effective February 1, 2012. There is no arrangement or understanding
between Mr. Maestri and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Maestri was selected as a
director. Mr. Maestri 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. Maestri is a member of the Audit and Finance Committees of
the Board of Directors. Mr. Maestri's compensation as a non-employee director will be
consistent with that provided to all Company non-employee directors, as described in the
Company's most recent proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the established compensation program for non-employee directors, Mr. Maestri
received a pro-rated grant of 1,197 shares of Company restricted stock units, determined based
upon the effective date of his election.
A press release announcing Mr. Maestri's election is included herewith as Exhibit 99.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
99   Press Release Concerning Election of Luca Maestri, dated February 1, 2012
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:   February 2, 2012
Page 3
EXHIBIT 99
Release:
Feb. 1, 2012
Contact:
Susan Houser, 515.248.2268,
houser.susan@principal.com
The Principal Financial Group Names Luca Maestri to Board of Directors
(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Principal Financial Group
®
(NYSE: PFG) announced that Luca Maestri,
executive vice president and chief financial officer of Xerox Corporation, joined The Principal
®
Board of
Directors effective Feb. 1, 2012.
"We are very pleased to welcome Luca to our Board. His extensive international and financial
experience will help guide our continued international expansion and leadership in global investment
management and retirement services," said Larry D. Zimpleman, chairman, president and chief executive
officer of The Principal.
Maestri is responsible for all finance, treasury, investor relations, risk management, mergers and
acquisitions, tax and audit operations at Xerox. He joined Xerox as CFO in February 2011 after serving as
CFO of Nokia Siemens Networks since 2008. Prior to Xerox, Maestri held senior executive finance
positions with General Motors (GM) Corporation and worked at GM for 20 years. He served as CFO of
GM Europe and GM Brazil, and was Executive-In-Charge of the Fiat Alliance for GM Europe in
Switzerland.
Maestri received a bachelor's degree in economics from LUISS University in Rome, and a master's
degree in science of management from Boston University.
Maestri commented, "I look forward to working closely with The Principal on continued expansion
as the company deepens its extensive global reach and executes its aggressive growth strategy."
For more news and insights from The Principal, connect with us on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/ThePrincipal
.
Page 4
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group
®
(The Principal
®
)
1
is a global investment management leader including
retirement services, insurance solutions and asset management. The Principal offers businesses, individuals
and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement, asset
management and insurance through its diverse family of financial services companies. Founded in 1879 and
a member of the FORTUNE 500
®
, the Principal Financial Group has $320.8 billion in assets under
management
2
and serves some 17.8 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 September 30, 2011.