HARTFORD, Conn.—The Harford Financial Services Group Inc. said Tuesday that Christopher J. Swift will serve as the company’s executive vp and chief financial officer effective March 1.

Mr. Swift joins Hartford from American Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of American International Group Inc., where he served as vice chairman and CFO. He succeeds Lizabeth Zlatkus, who will take over the position of chief risk officer, as previously announced.

Mr. Swift will be based in Hartford’s home offices in Hartford, Conn.