Manhattan-based AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co. has promoted Kermitt Brooks to general counsel. Brooks replaces Dave Hattem, a 25-year veteran who was named chief legal officer of parent company AXA Equitable Holdings Inc.

In his new role, Hattem is responsible for advising on the development and execution of the company’s post-2020 strategy, and ensuring corporate governance across the two subsidiaries, AXA Equitable Life, which provides life insurance and annuities products, and AllianceBernstein, which is an asset management and investment firm. He is a member of the holding company’s management committee and fills its corporate secretary function.