Lincoln Financial Receives IRI Marketing Innovation Award for Analytics "App" That Increases Wholesaler Productivity and Sales Effectiveness

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Lincoln Financial Group LNC has been selected as the 2016 Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) Marketing Innovation Award winner in the distributor category for its Territory Visualizer, an industry-leading mobile app that gives Lincoln's wholesalers a competitive edge by giving them an immediate, comprehensive view of their territories - pooling current sales data, producer profiles and key metrics all into one simple-to-use application.

"We are honored to receive this important award as it recognizes the importance we place on ensuring our wholesalers have the strongest tools available to maximize their effectiveness in their territories, and ultimately grow the business," said John Kennedy, head of retirement solutions for Lincoln Financial, who accepted the award during a luncheon ceremony at the IRI Marketing Summit 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

"The Territory Visualizer is the most innovative and effective application of advanced analytics in the industry as it puts intelligence in the hands of wholesalers - increasing their productivity, enabling them to be closer to the customer, and creating better customer experiences," stated Rich Aneser, Chief Marketing Officer, Annuity Solutions, Lincoln Financial Distributors and Lincoln Financial Network.

Harnessing the power of data and analytics from multiple sources, the Territory Visualizer is able to quickly and accurately aggregate data from a range of inputs including Lincoln's sales and internal demographic data as well as external industry sources and salesforce.com. Easy access to this information helps Lincoln's wholesalers drive more business more effectively instead of relying on multiple sources for information and merging them together. Another key feature is the app's visual mapping tool, which provides a holistic picture of producers and firms on an interactive map, allowing more productive days.

"Lincoln Financial's mobile app, ‘the Territory Visualizer,' is an outstanding example of how ingenuity can be employed to solve a challenge in today's marketplace," IRI President and CEO Cathy Weatherford said. "IRI is proud to recognize companies, such as Lincoln Financial Distributors, that have successfully leveraged technology to create efficiencies and deliver real-time results. The IRI Marketing Innovation Award was established for this purpose – to honor companies that are embracing innovative thinking to drive the industry forward."

Lincoln Financial Distributors was nominated from among more than 400 eligible IRI distributor member companies. Nominees were considered based on each company's breakthroughs in the areas of new products and services; development of consumer and advisor education resources; and overall marketing campaigns to foster greater acceptance and use of insured retirement strategies. Lincoln Financial Distributors was awarded this same honor for its Lincoln Annuity Income Visualizer in 2014.

About the Insured Retirement Institute: The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is the leading association for the retirement income industry. IRI proudly leads a national consumer coalition of more than 30 organizations, and is the only association that represents the entire supply chain of insured retirement strategies. IRI members are the major insurers, asset managers, broker-dealers/distributors, and 150,000 financial professionals. As a not-for-profit organization, IRI provides an objective forum for communication and education, and advocates for the sustainable retirement solutions Americans need to help achieve a secure and dignified retirement. Learn more at www.irionline.org.

About Lincoln Financial Distributors

Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (LFD), the wholesale distribution business of Lincoln Financial Group (LFG), provides expertise and access to a range of solutions that help advisors protect wealth and deliver outcomes for their clients. Lincoln's broad portfolio includes innovative annuity, life insurance and retirement solutions that focus on addressing issues related to taxes, healthcare, longevity, inflation and market volatility. LFD comprises seasoned financial professionals who distribute Lincoln products through licensed insurance agents, registered broker-dealers, and other financial services intermediaries. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 17 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation LNC and its affiliates. The company had $219 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2015. Learn more at: www.LincolnFinancial.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. To sign up for email alerts, please visit our Newsroom at http://newsroom.lfg.com.

LCN-144177803116

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160321006100/en/