Lincoln Financial Group Names Peter Sims National Sales Manager, 401 (k) Distribution; Announces National Expansion of Sales Force

PHILADELPHIA, July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lincoln Financial Distributors, the wholesale distribution subsidiary of Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC), today announced that Peter Sims has been named national sales manager for its 401 (k) business, including the Lincoln Director(SM) and Lincoln SmartFuture® defined contribution retirement programs, which is a target growth area for Lincoln Financial Group.  Sims will report to John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution.

"Peter brings to this position more than 20 years of sales leadership experience in building successful teams in multiple sales channels," Kennedy said.  "With the addition of this critical new role, we are well-positioned to expand our 401(k) presence in the marketplace."

Sims joined Lincoln Financial in 2003 and has successfully served in a variety of sales and distribution leadership positions across core business lines.  Prior to this role, he served as national sales manager of Lincoln's market leading annuity business dedicated to the Wirehouse and Bank channel.  He has also served as national sales manager for Delaware Investments.

Sims' team will lead all distribution efforts for the suite of 401(k) offerings comprised of Lincoln Director(SM), a group variable annuity retirement program and the Lincoln SmartFuture®, a mutual-fund and collective trust-based platform.  He will focus on growth opportunities across third-party administrators, independent planner firms, banks and financial advisors.  To accomplish this LFD is planning a national expansion of the 401(k) sales force by increasing the sales teams by more than 50% from current levels.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates.  With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $146 billion as of March 31, 2010.  Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services.  For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

Lincoln Director variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, on contract form #19476 (and state variations thereof).  Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company.  The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company is not licensed and does not solicit business in the state of New York.

In New York, group variable annuities, Lincoln Director(SM) are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY on policy form #19476NY-A 7/04.  The contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of the Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York.

Mutual funds in the Lincoln SmartFuture program are sold by prospectus.  An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the investment company before investing.  The prospectus contains this and other important information and should be read carefully before investing or sending money.  Investment values will fluctuate with changes in market conditions, so that upon withdrawal, your investment may be worth more or less than the amount originally invested.  Prospectuses of any of the mutual funds in the LincolnSmartFuture program are available at 800.234.3500.

Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN  46802.

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SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group