Cencora teams with Curant Rare for orphan drug commercialization, names Ellen Cooper director
Cencora partnered with Curant Rare to commercialize rare and orphan drug therapies by combining Cencora’s logistics, pharmacovigilance and market access solutions with Curant Rare’s specialty pharmacy services. The company also elected Ellen Cooper, Lincoln Financial CEO, as independent director effective January 20, 2026, adding risk management and strategic growth expertise.
1. New Independent Director Appointment
Cencora announced the election of Ellen Cooper to its Board of Directors, effective January 20, 2026. Ms. Cooper joins as an independent director, bringing deep expertise in risk management and regulated industries. Her election follows a Board-led search to strengthen oversight and guide Cencora’s long-term growth trajectory.
2. Leadership and Industry Experience
Ellen Cooper currently serves as Chairman, President and CEO of Lincoln Financial, a role she assumed in May 2022 after holding positions as Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Enterprise Risk and Annuity Solutions. Her prior tenure at Goldman Sachs Asset Management included leadership as Managing Director and Global Head of Insurance Strategy. Earlier roles include Chief Risk Officer at AEGON Americas and Principal at Ernst & Young LLP.
3. Board Statements and Strategic Rationale
Mark Durcan, Chair of Cencora’s Board, highlighted that Ms. Cooper’s strategic acumen and risk oversight capabilities will enhance the Board’s effectiveness as the company expands its pharmaceutical solutions platform. Incoming CEO Robert P. Mauch emphasized her financial expertise will support Cencora’s mission to optimize market access for therapies and deliver sustainable shareholder value.
4. Credentials and External Roles
Ms. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University and professional designations as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst and Chartered Financial Analyst. She serves on the Executive Committee of the American Council of Life Insurers and the Board of Trustees of Temple University, underscoring her deep engagement with both industry and academic governance.