Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) announced today that Diane Russell has been named Vice President of Marketing and Communications of its Insurance and Retirement business, effective November 3, 2014. Russell leads Marketing for Lincoln’s Group Protection Business, as well as Strategic Communications for Lincoln’s Annuities, Group Protection and Life Solutions businesses.

Russell joins Lincoln Financial Group from Cigna, where she most recently served as Vice President of Product Management and Development. Her responsibilities included Life, Accident, Disability, Absence Management (FML), Voluntary offerings, Dental and Vision products, as well as integrated offerings with the company’s healthcare organization. During her tenure at Cigna, Diane held several Marketing and Communications leadership positions, including Assistant Vice President of Product and Marketing Communications, Director of Marketing Communications/Strategy and Director of Employee and Corporate Communications. She began her career at McKinney Public Relations & Advertising in Philadelphia.

"Lack of insurance and underinsurance is a prevalent financial risk,” said Dick Mucci, President of Group Protection, Lincoln Financial Group. “Protecting ones’ income and assets is increasingly becoming top of mind for today’s consumers. Lincoln continues to make significant investments in our business to capitalize on the growing need for group benefit solutions. Diane’s extensive expertise in developing customer-focused business and marketing strategies will help fuel our growth in this area and enhance the strategic marketing of our products and services."

“Diane brings a wealth of experience to this leadership position, having spent more than 25 years in the group insurance industry,” said Kristen Phillips, senior vice president of Marketing and Strategy for Lincoln’s Insurance and Retirement Solutions business. “Diane has a long track record of successfully providing strategic leadership within financial services companies, which will serve as a strong complement to our life, annuities and group protection businesses’ marketing and communication efforts. We are thrilled Diane has joined our team.”

Russell attended Temple University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and attended the University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics. Russell will have offices in Radnor, PA and Omaha, NE.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company had $215 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2014. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter (@lincolnfingroup), LinkedIn and YouTube.