HARTFORD, Conn.—Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. said Monday that Lizabeth H. Zlatkus, chief financial officer, has been appointed its chief risk officer.

Hartford said in a statement that it is conducting an external search to replace Ms. Zlatkus as CFO, but added she will remain in her current role until a successor is found.

Ms. Zlatkus was named CFO in May 2008. She joined Hartford in its property/casualty business in 1983.