Ellen Cooper Steps Into Lincoln Financial's Top Spot as First Female CEO in 117 Years

A Leadership Transition Marks Milestone for Major Insurance Player

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) has officially welcomed Ellen G. Cooper as its new president and chief executive officer, marking a historic moment for the 117-year-old financial services firm. The appointment makes Cooper the first woman to hold the CEO position in the company’s history and the tenth president overall.

Cooper’s path to the top reflects a decade of strategic contributions within Lincoln. She previously served as executive vice president and chief investment officer, where she demonstrated exceptional capability in managing the company’s substantial portfolio. Her responsibilities encompassed overseeing more than $300 billion in assets, directing the company’s renowned hedge program, and spearheading the market-leading Annuity Solutions business. Additionally, she held the title of head of Enterprise Risk and served on the Lincoln Financial Foundation board.

Building on a Century of Financial Leadership

The transition represents a smooth continuation of Lincoln’s strategic direction. Dennis R. Glass, who led the organization as president and CEO for 15 years, transitions to the role of chairman of the board. Glass’s leadership during his tenure established strong groundwork that Cooper will build upon.

Under Cooper’s leadership, Lincoln continues to serve approximately 16 million customers through its core businesses spanning life insurance, annuities, group protection, and retirement plan services. The company maintains substantial financial strength, with $308 billion in end-of-period account values as of March 31, 2022, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

Strategic Vision Moving Forward

Cooper expressed her enthusiasm about the role, emphasizing her commitment to leveraging Lincoln’s distinctive strengths. “I am excited to lead this incredible company, which has a long and successful track record of providing strong results to shareholders while delivering significant value to the customers who depend on us every day,” she stated.

Her strategic priorities center on mobilizing the company’s manufacturing and distribution advantages alongside its established culture of relationship-building and talent development. This approach aims to deliver comprehensive financial security solutions to millions of Americans seeking both protection and peace of mind.

Glass offered his endorsement of Cooper’s appointment, noting: “Ellen and I have served side by side for the last 10 years, and she is one of the most strategic and capable executives I’ve had the privilege of knowing.” He highlighted her deep expertise, passion for Lincoln’s mission, and forward-thinking perspective as key strengths for her leadership journey.

William Cunningham, serving as lead independent director on Lincoln’s board, reinforced confidence in the transition: “Ellen has played a significant role over the last 10 years building and executing on Lincoln’s successful strategy, and I am confident she will continue to steward the company’s special culture while encouraging the kind of innovation that will allow Lincoln to grow and thrive for decades to come.”

About Lincoln Financial Group

Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group operates under the parent company Lincoln National Corporation. The organization has established recognition for corporate responsibility, appearing on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and FTSE4Good. The company also maintains strong commitments to diversity and inclusion, reflected in its inclusion on various transparency benchmarking platforms and recognition as one of Ethisphere’s 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies.