Lincoln Financial Group Selects Cohn & Wolfe as Communications Partner

NEW YORK, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Financial Group announced today that it has engaged Cohn & Wolfe, a leading global communications agency, to support their communications efforts including branding, corporate positioning and executive thought leadership.  The appointment follows a four-stage selection process that included presentations to Lincoln's CMO, CEO and leadership team.

Lincoln Financial, a diversified financial services organization, offers a variety of life insurance, long-term care, annuities and retirement life insurance services and products.  As communications partner, Cohn & Wolfe's Corporate and Digital Practices will work with Lincoln Financial to highlight the company's role as a leading financial institution.  The account will be led by Michael Bayer, EVP and U.S. Corporate Practice Leader and Deputy Managing Director for Cohn & Wolfe New York.

"The global economic crisis continues to have a profound effect on consumer confidence in the financial services industry," said Bayer.  "It's an environment, however, that represents a tremendous opportunity for Lincoln Financial, a company inspired by a man who embodied honesty and stability in the face of crisis — principles that are critical to a public eager to feel good about their futures again."

Said Lincoln Financial's Chief Marketing Officer, Heather Dzielak, "Cohn & Wolfe demonstrated a remarkable understanding of our industry and the nuances of a customer base that stretches across virtually every income bracket.  And we were impressed with the way they were able to turn that awareness into something fresh and versatile, but still uniquely Lincoln Financial.  We're excited about the prospect of making new connections with our existing customers and reaching anyone who wishes to face their future with confidence by selecting Lincoln Financial products."

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.

About Cohn & Wolfe

Cohn & Wolfe is a strategic public relations agency dedicated to creating, building and protecting the world's most prolific brands.  With offices around the world, the agency is committed to breaking new ground in the delivery of cross-channel media strategies, creative programming, and practice area excellence.

Cohn & Wolfe is recognized year after year by clients and the industry for excellence in creativity, client service, digital communications, media strategy, senior management and strategic counsel.  Cohn & Wolfe also consistently ranks among the top "Best Agencies to Work For" in an annual, industry-wide employee survey.  For more information, visit: www.cohnwolfe.com.  Cohn & Wolfe is part of WPP (Nasdaq: WPPGY), one of the world's largest communications services group.

SOURCE Cohn & Wolfe