Lincoln Financial has appointed Ellen Cooper as the executive vice president and chief investment officer, effective from 6 August 2012.
Cooper, who joins Lincoln Financial from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, will be responsible for setting, implementing and providing strategic oversight and management to Lincoln Financial's investment strategy, the firm said.
She will also act as the primary investment officer pertaining to the all investment related matters to the board of directors and senior management team.
Apart from working as a member of the company's senior management committee, Cooper will report directly to Dennis Glass, president and chief executive officer of Lincoln Financial.
"She is a highly accomplished investment professional who possesses a deep background in asset management, risk management and insurance," Glass added.
At Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Cooper was working as a managing director and global head of the insurance strategy and prior to Goldman she served as the chief risk officer for AEGON Americas.
Lincoln Financial, with $170bn assets under management as on 31 March 2011, offers annuities; life, group life, disability and dental insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services.