Lincoln Financial Group Announces Retirement of Corporate Planning Head

PHILADELPHIA, July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lincoln Financial Group announced today that Barbara Kowalczyk, senior vice president, Corporate Planning and Development, has decided to retire. In her 30-year career, Kowalczyk played an important role during Lincoln's evolution from a multi-lines insurance company to a focused financial services firm.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050830/LFLOGO )

Kowalczyk joined Lincoln National Investment Management in 1977. After leading the company's private placements group in the early 1990s, she assumed responsibility for strategic planning and mergers & acquisitions in 1994.

"Barbara was a valued contributor to Lincoln's transformation," said President and CEO Dennis Glass. "We thank her for three decades of service and wish her all the best as she moves on to the next chapter in her life."

Effective with Kowalczyk's retirement, corporate planning, which includes mergers & acquisitions and branding, will transition to Chief Financial Officer Fred Crawford.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. With headquarters in Philadelphia, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $237 billion as of March 31, 2007. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; mutual funds; managed accounts; institutional investments; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. Affiliates also include: Delaware Investments, the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries; Lincoln Financial Media, which owns and operates three television stations, 18 radio stations, and the Lincoln Financial Sports production and syndication business; and Lincoln UK. For more information please visit http://www.lfg.com/.