RADNOR — Ellen G. Cooper has assumed the role of president and chief executive officer for Lincoln Financial Group, and has become a member of Lincoln National Corp.’s board of directors.
Cooper was named CEO-elect in August 2021 after 10 years as a Lincoln executive, serving most recently as executive vice president, chief investment officer, head of Enterprise Risk and the Annuity Solutions group, and a member of the Lincoln Financial Foundation board.
Cooper has become the first woman and the tenth president and CEO for Lincoln. She succeeds Dennis R. Glass, who served as president and CEO for 15 years. Glass now serves as chairman of the board.
As president and CEO, Cooper will lead the company in building on more than a century of helping people gain financial security. Through its core businesses — which include life insurance, annuities, group protection and retirement plan services – and its leading distribution channels, Lincoln “empowers more than 16 million customers to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism,” according to a press release.
“Harnessing the power of our superior product manufacturing and distribution capabilities, combined with our strong culture centered on longstanding relationships and highly talented people, we will continue to deliver trusted solutions for millions of Americans seeking financial security and protection for themselves and the people they care about most,” Cooper said in a statement.
During her tenure at Lincoln, Cooper has been instrumental in developing and executing on the company’s general and separate account investment strategy, overseeing more than $300 billion in assets and managing the company’s industry-leading hedge program, according to the release. After joining as chief investment officer in 2012, her leadership role was expanded to include responsibility for Lincoln’s enterprise risk management function and for the company’s market-leading Annuity Solutions business.
According to Glass, Cooper “is one of the most strategic and capable executives I’ve had the privilege of knowing.”
“She has an exceptional depth of expertise and passion for Lincoln, its mission and its people, along with a focus on the future and delivering ongoing value to our shareholders,” he said in a statement.
Headquartered in Radnor, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. For more information visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.