INDIANAPOLIS — Conseco Inc. has hired a prominent Indianapolis attorney as executive vice president and general counsel and secretary for the troubled finance company.

David K. Herzog, who is currently managing partner of the Indianapolis office of Baker & Daniels, will begin his duties at Conseco on Sept. 1, Gary Wendt, Conseco chairman and chief executive, said Monday.

He replaces John Sabl, who is returning to private practice at the Chicago law office of Sidley & Austin.

Herzog, 44, joined Baker & Daniels and has specialized in business and commercial litigation.

Conseco slipped into financial disarray this year, weighed down by growing problems with its Conseco Finance unit, which was hobbled by the purchase of Green Tree Financial Corp. for $6 billion.

The company had tried to sell the unit, but opted last month to instead restructure the division and sell off other assets. The restructuring will lead to the elimination of about 2,000 jobs.