American Family Life Insurance founded Nov 17 1955 in Columbus GA by brothers John, Paul, Bill + son Amos Amos. Pioneers supplemental cancer insurance 1958 after seeing the financial devastation cancer caused families. Reframes insurance from death benefit to cash-while-living for catastrophic illness.

Aflac enters Japan 1974 (registered Dec 1972) — first foreign insurance company licensed to sell in Japan. Japan becomes Aflac's largest market; by 2020s ~70% of Aflac earnings come from Japan, where it sells cancer + medical insurance to 1 in 4 Japanese households via workplace + payroll deduction.

Aflac receives Japanese cancer insurance license Apr 1974 — first foreign insurer to enter Japan post-WWII. Becomes Japan's #1 cancer insurer within decade. By 1990s Japan represents ~75% of Aflac profit. Cancer insurance via workplace + payroll deduction at large Japanese employers — replicates US distribution model.

Aflac IPO 1974 listed NYSE under 'AFL' — American Family Life Assurance Co. Stock 100x's over next 40 years as Japan supplemental insurance + US payroll deduction model compound. Daniel Amos joins family business 1973; becomes CEO 1990.

Daniel Amos becomes Aflac CEO 1990 — third-generation Amos family CEO (replacing father John). Daniel's 35+ year tenure makes Aflac one of most consistent long-term insurance compounders. Stock 50x's 1990-2025 under Daniel Amos. Aflac's voluntary supplemental model proves recession-resistant.

Aflac Duck mascot debuts Dec 2000 created by Linda Kaplan Thaler agency; quacks 'Aflac!' after focus groups struggled remembering name. Gilbert Gottfried voices duck (until 2011 dismissal). Aflac brand recognition jumps from 12% to 94% within 5 years — one of most successful insurance ad campaigns ever.

Aflac Duck mascot turns 10 in 2010 (debuted Dec 2000) — created by Linda Kaplan Thaler agency after focus groups struggled to remember the name 'Aflac'. By 2010s the Aflac Duck is one of the most recognized US insurance brand mascots, aided greatly by Gilbert Gottfried's voice (until 2011 dismissal over tweets).

Aflac Q1 2023 — Daniel Amos (now 71) hands operational CEO role to Frederick Crawford (now in transition); Amos remains Chairman/CEO. Japan supplemental insurance dominates ~70% of Aflac profit; US Aflac Network Dental expands voluntary benefits. Stock $70+ on consistent dividend growth.

Aflac FY2024 — Daniel Amos chairman/CEO reports $20B revenue; Japan supplemental insurance 70% of profit. Frederick Crawford COO in succession transition. Aflac Network Dental + voluntary benefits expand US. Stock $110+ all-time high.