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            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="4">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <font size="2">__________________</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="4">FORM 8-K</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">Date
            of Report:</font> <b><font size="2">February 26, 2008</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Date
            of earliest event reported)</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="4">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <font size="2">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                &nbsp;
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">Delaware</font></b></p>
                        </td>

                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">1-16725</font></b></p>
                        </td>

                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">42-1520346</font></b></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>

                    <tr>
                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">
                            (State of other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></b></p>
                        </td>

                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">
                            (Commission file number)</font></b></p>
                        </td>

                        <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="217">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center">
                            <b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">
                            (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)</font></b></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                &nbsp;
            </div>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <font size="2">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">(515) 247-5111</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <font size="2">(Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including area code)</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">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:</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp; <font size="2">Written communications
            pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp; <font size="2">Soliciting material
            pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp; <font size="2">Pre-commencement
            communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17
            CFR</font></font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2"><font size="2"><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
            240.14d-2(b))</font></font></font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2"><font size="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]&nbsp;
            <font size="2">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
            Exchange Act (17</font></font></font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2"><font size="2"><font size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
            CFR 240.13e-4(c))&nbsp;</font></font></font></p>

            <div align="left">
                &nbsp;
            </div>

            <div align="center">
                <font size="2">__________________</font>
            </div>
            <!-- EEDocs PBStart-->

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            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Page
            2</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item
            1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">In connection with action taken by the Board of Directors of Principal
            Financial Group, Inc. (the &ldquo;Company&rdquo;), more fully described below and in
            the attached exhibit to this report, the Company plans to amend the existing employment
            agreement effective as of May 1, 2008 with Larry D. Zimpleman. Pursuant to the
            amendment, Mr.&nbsp;Zimpleman&rsquo;s annual salary will be $800,000, subject to
            periodic adjustment in accordance with the Company&rsquo;s regular salary review
            policy.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">In addition, Mr.&nbsp;Zimpleman will continue to participate in the
            Company&rsquo;s annual and long-term incentive compensation plans, qualified and
            non-qualified savings and retirement plans and other benefits as described in the
            Company&rsquo;s current proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
            Commission (&ldquo;SEC&rdquo;) on April 9, 2007. Mr. Zimpleman&rsquo;s long-term
            incentive award opportunity has been increased from 400% to 500% of his current base
            salary for target performance. Realized compensation may vary considerably above or
            below the target award opportunity based on the operational and share price performance
            objectives over a three-year performance cycle.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">Mr. Zimpleman&rsquo;s amended employment agreement will be filed as an
            exhibit to a future Company quarterly report filed with the SEC.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item
            5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment
            of Principal Officers</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">On
            February 26, 2008, the Company announced the promotion of Larry D. Zimpleman to the
            position of president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2008. Mr. Zimpleman
            currently holds the position of president and chief operating officer. J. Barry
            Griswell currently serves as the Company&rsquo;s chairman and chief executive officer.
            Mr. Griswell will continue to serve as chairman after May 1, 2008. The text of the
            announcement is included with this report as Exhibit 99.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item
            9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="371" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="32">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">99</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="339">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Press Release Announcing Zimpleman Promotion</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 3pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <font size="2">SIGNATURE</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.51in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">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.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="579" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="288">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            &nbsp;</p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="291">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="495" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="288">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            &nbsp;</p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="51">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">By:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="156">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <u><font size="2">/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman</font></u></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="473" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="288">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            &nbsp;</p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="48">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Name:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="137">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Joyce N. Hoffman</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" width="288">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            &nbsp;</p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" width="48">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Title:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 3in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            &nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="185" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="48">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Date:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="137">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">February 26, 2008</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>
            <!-- EEDocs PBStart-->

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            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Page
            3</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" align="right">
            <font size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font>
                                     <b><font size="2">Exhibit 99</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="297" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">RELEASE:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="201">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">On Receipt, February 26, 2008</font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="512" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">CONTACT:</font></p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="416">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Eva Quinn, The Principal, 515.247.7468,</font>
                            <font color="#0000ff"><u><font size="2">quinn.eva@principal.com</font></u></font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <div align="left">
                <table style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="597" border="0">
                    <tr>
                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="96">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            &nbsp;</p>
                        </td>

                        <td valign="top" nowrap width="501">
                            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
                            <font size="2">Rhonda Clark-Leyda, The Principal, 515.247.6634,</font>
                            <font color="#0000ff"><u><font size="2">clark-leyda.rhonda@principal</font></u></font></p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </table>
            </div>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="3">Principal Financial Group Board Announces Leadership
            Succession</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">
            <b><font size="2">Zimpleman Named CEO</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">(Des Moines, Iowa) &ndash; The Principal Financial Group<sup>&reg;</sup>
            announced today the Board of Directors, as part of its planned succession process, has
            elected Larry D. Zimpleman chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2008. He retains
            the title of president. J. Barry Griswell will continue as chairman. Zimpleman will
            assume complete responsibility for company strategy and operations.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">&ldquo;Larry is singularly qualified to lead the Principal Financial
            Group into the future. His long history with the company combined with deep industry
            expertise and a keen global perspective have uniquely prepared him for this leadership
            role,&rdquo; says Griswell. &ldquo;A key success factor for The Principal has been our
            careful leadership succession planning. This is a natural next step for Larry. He knows
            where we&rsquo;ve been. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing The
            Principal today. He has a clear vision for tomorrow. Larry is an unmatched leader who
            will advance The Principal as a global expert in asset accumulation and asset
            management. Our mission remains strongly intact -- being the champion of financial
            wellbeing for small and medium businesses, institutions and people around the
            world.&rdquo;</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.33in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">&ldquo;Barry&rsquo;s bold, insightful and charismatic leadership has
            strengthened The Principal&rsquo;s position in the market as a world-class asset
            manager and a world-class employer,&rdquo; says Zimpleman. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m excited
            about what lies ahead and the opportunity to lead this great company and its great
            people.&nbsp; With the proven talent and experience of our leadership team, I&rsquo;m
            confident The Principal will continue on its clear trajectory toward becoming a global
            leader in helping people achieve financial security.&rdquo;</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <b><font size="2">Zimpleman Background</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.48in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">Zimpleman joined the company in 1971 as a part-time actuarial student
            and became a full-time actuary in 1973. From 1976 to 1997 he served in various
            management and leadership positions in the Pension department. He was named vice
            president in 1997, senior vice president in 1999, executive vice president in 2001,
            president of Retirement and Investor Services in 2003, and president and chief
            operating officer in 2006. A native of Williamsburg, Iowa, Zimpleman received his BS in
            business administration from Drake University in 1973 and his MBA from Drake in
            1977.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.48in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">He became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 1976, and is a past
            president and member of the Board of Governors of the Society. Zimpleman is past chair
            of the board of trustees for the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and past
            president and board chair of the American Academy of Actuaries. He was named an
            Actuarial Foundation Trustee in 1999, is a member of the Actuarial Club of</font></p>
            <!-- EEDocs PBStart-->

            <p style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></p>
            <!-- EEDocs PBEnd-->

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Page
            4</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">Des Moines and chairs the American Council of Life Insurers&rsquo;
            Harris Trust Committee. He was a delegate at the 2002 and 2006 National Summit on
            Retirement Savings hosted by President Bush and the Secretary of Labor.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <b><font size="2">About the Principal Financial Group</font></b></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">The Principal Financial Group<sup>&reg;</sup> (The Principal
            <sup>&reg;</sup>)<sup>1</sup> 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 $311.1 billion in assets under management<sup>2</sup> and
            serves some 18.6million customersworldwide 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</font>
            <font color="#0000ff"><u><font size="2">www.principal.com</font></u></font>
            <font size="2">.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2">_________________________</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2"><sup>1&nbsp;</sup></font> <font size="1">"The Principal Financial Group"
            and &ldquo;The Principal&rdquo; are registered service marks of Principal Financial
            Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">
            <font size="2"><sup>2&nbsp;</sup></font> <font size="1">As of December 31,
            2007</font></p>

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>
            <!-- EEDocs PBStart--><!-- EEDocs PBEnd-->

            <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>
        </div>
    </body>
</html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "finallzimpleman022608.htm", "description": "FORM 8-K - LARRY ZIMPLEMAN PROMOTION", "secsgml_size_bytes": 31745}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP INC", "cik": "0001126328", "assigned-sic": "6321", "irs-number": "421520346", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-16725", "film-number": "08643744"}, "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"}}
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:
February 26, 2008
(Date
            of earliest event reported)
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-16725
42-1520346
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission file number)
(I.R.S. Employer 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
            1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
In connection with action taken by the Board of Directors of Principal
            Financial Group, Inc. (the "Company"), more fully described below and in
            the attached exhibit to this report, the Company plans to amend the existing employment
            agreement effective as of May 1, 2008 with Larry D. Zimpleman. Pursuant to the
            amendment, Mr. Zimpleman's annual salary will be $800,000, subject to
            periodic adjustment in accordance with the Company's regular salary review
            policy.
In addition, Mr. Zimpleman will continue to participate in the
            Company's annual and long-term incentive compensation plans, qualified and
            non-qualified savings and retirement plans and other benefits as described in the
            Company's current proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
            Commission ("SEC") on April 9, 2007. Mr. Zimpleman's long-term
            incentive award opportunity has been increased from 400% to 500% of his current base
            salary for target performance. Realized compensation may vary considerably above or
            below the target award opportunity based on the operational and share price performance
            objectives over a three-year performance cycle.
Mr. Zimpleman's amended employment agreement will be filed as an
            exhibit to a future Company quarterly report filed with the SEC.
Item
            5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment
            of Principal Officers
On
            February 26, 2008, the Company announced the promotion of Larry D. Zimpleman to the
            position of president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2008. Mr. Zimpleman
            currently holds the position of president and chief operating officer. J. Barry
            Griswell currently serves as the Company's chairman and chief executive officer.
            Mr. Griswell will continue to serve as chairman after May 1, 2008. The text of the
            announcement is included with this report as Exhibit 99.
Item
            9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
99
Press Release Announcing Zimpleman Promotion
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 26, 2008
Page
            3
Exhibit 99
RELEASE:
On Receipt, February 26, 2008
CONTACT:
Eva Quinn, The Principal, 515.247.7468,
quinn.eva@principal.com
Rhonda Clark-Leyda, The Principal, 515.247.6634,
clark-leyda.rhonda@principal
Principal Financial Group Board Announces Leadership
            Succession
Zimpleman Named CEO
(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Principal Financial Group
®
announced today the Board of Directors, as part of its planned succession process, has
            elected Larry D. Zimpleman chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2008. He retains
            the title of president. J. Barry Griswell will continue as chairman. Zimpleman will
            assume complete responsibility for company strategy and operations.
"Larry is singularly qualified to lead the Principal Financial
            Group into the future. His long history with the company combined with deep industry
            expertise and a keen global perspective have uniquely prepared him for this leadership
            role," says Griswell. "A key success factor for The Principal has been our
            careful leadership succession planning. This is a natural next step for Larry. He knows
            where we've been. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing The
            Principal today. He has a clear vision for tomorrow. Larry is an unmatched leader who
            will advance The Principal as a global expert in asset accumulation and asset
            management. Our mission remains strongly intact -- being the champion of financial
            wellbeing for small and medium businesses, institutions and people around the
            world."
"Barry's bold, insightful and charismatic leadership has
            strengthened The Principal's position in the market as a world-class asset
            manager and a world-class employer," says Zimpleman. "I'm excited
            about what lies ahead and the opportunity to lead this great company and its great
            people.  With the proven talent and experience of our leadership team, I'm
            confident The Principal will continue on its clear trajectory toward becoming a global
            leader in helping people achieve financial security."
Zimpleman Background
Zimpleman joined the company in 1971 as a part-time actuarial student
            and became a full-time actuary in 1973. From 1976 to 1997 he served in various
            management and leadership positions in the Pension department. He was named vice
            president in 1997, senior vice president in 1999, executive vice president in 2001,
            president of Retirement and Investor Services in 2003, and president and chief
            operating officer in 2006. A native of Williamsburg, Iowa, Zimpleman received his BS in
            business administration from Drake University in 1973 and his MBA from Drake in
            1977.
He became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 1976, and is a past
            president and member of the Board of Governors of the Society. Zimpleman is past chair
            of the board of trustees for the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and past
            president and board chair of the American Academy of Actuaries. He was named an
            Actuarial Foundation Trustee in 1999, is a member of the Actuarial Club of
Page
            4
Des Moines and chairs the American Council of Life Insurers'
            Harris Trust Committee. He was a delegate at the 2002 and 2006 National Summit on
            Retirement Savings hosted by President Bush and the Secretary of Labor.
About the Principal Financial Group
The Principal Financial Group
®
(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 $311.1 billion in assets under management
2
and
            serves some 18.6million customersworldwide 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 December 31,
            2007