Core Insights - Lincoln Financial has appointed Nilanjan (Neel) Adhya as Executive Vice President, Chief AI, Data and Analytics Officer, effective January 9, 2026, to enhance AI and data capabilities within the company [1][3] Company Overview - Lincoln Financial operates across four core businesses: annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services, serving approximately 17 million customers as of December 31, 2024 [5] - The company reported $347 billion in end-of-period account balances, net of reinsurance, as of September 30, 2025 [5] Leadership Background - Adhya previously served as Chief Digital Officer and Global Head of Digital Platforms and Experiences at BlackRock, where he led AI initiatives and modernized digital strategies [2] - He has 25 years of experience in product and customer-experience driven business transformations, including 16 years at IBM in various leadership roles [4] Strategic Vision - Ellen Cooper, Chairman, President and CEO of Lincoln Financial, emphasized the importance of AI and data in optimizing the company's operating model for future growth [3] - Adhya expressed his commitment to applying AI and data in a disciplined manner to enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and foster innovation [5]