Lincoln Financial Group Taps John Kennedy to Lead Distribution Operations as Ellen Cooper Expands Influence

Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) has named John Kennedy as executive vice president and president of Lincoln Financial Distributors, positioning him as a key player on the company’s Senior Management Committee under CEO Dennis R. Glass. Simultaneously, the financial services firm is broadening Ellen Cooper’s portfolio—the executive vice president and chief investment officer will now oversee the Annuities business alongside her existing responsibilities for the company’s risk management and investment oversight.

Strategic Leadership Transitions Mark Shift in Organizational Structure

The appointments come as Will Fuller departed to pursue opportunities elsewhere in the insurance and pensions sector. Kennedy, who previously headed Retirement Solutions Distribution sales for LFD, brings substantial industry credibility to the role. His career spans senior positions at MetLife Investors (as national sales manager), AXA Distributors (senior vice president), and PLANCO, a financial services arm of The Hartford. Additionally, Kennedy currently serves as chairman of the board for the Insured Retirement Institute, underscoring his standing within the retirement solutions ecosystem.

Cooper’s expanded mandate reflects Lincoln’s strategy to consolidate investment expertise with annuity product management. As the company’s primary investment steward, she oversees a $290 billion investment portfolio while directing the mutual fund complex. The $303 billion in end-of-period account values as of year-end 2020 positions Lincoln as a significant player in retirement and wealth protection solutions serving over 17 million customers.

Leadership Bench Depth and Organizational Changes

The company also confirmed that Lisa Buckingham, executive vice president and chief people, place and brand officer, has exited to take a senior role with another multiline insurance company. Lincoln is conducting internal and external recruitment to fill her position, indicating confidence in its leadership pipeline across all business units.

CEO Glass remarked on the seamless transitions, highlighting Kennedy’s proven track record in distribution and Cooper’s ability to integrate annuities with risk management functions. The announcements underscore Lincoln’s commitment to aligning its distribution, investment, and product management capabilities as competitive pressures intensify within the insurance and retirement solutions marketplace.