Manulife Asia Announces Senior Leadership Team Changes

Changes Include Emerging Markets,Indonesia,Japan,Singaporeand Finance

HONG KONG,February 10, 2025/PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Asia has announced strategic changes to its senior leadership team across Emerging Markets,Indonesia,JapanandSingapore, and Finance.

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"These changes showcase the depth and strength of our leadership acrossAsiaand position us to continue delivering high-quality sustainable growth and be the number one choice for customers,"saidPhil Witherington, President and CEO of Manulife Asia."We are well on track to achieve our goal of contributing half of Manulife's core earnings by 2027, and these leaders have consistently executed our strategy. Their leadership in these new roles will help define the next chapter for Manulife Asia."

  • Dr.Kah Siang Khoo,CEO of Singapore, will beappointed as CEO of Emerging Markets,overseeingCambodia,Indonesia,Malaysia,Myanmar, and the Philippines.  Since joining Manulife in 2018, Dr. Khoo has driven sustainable growth, achieving double-digit CAGR in APE, NBV, and CE, and establishingSingaporeas a key player inAsia. He strengthened Manulife's market leadership with a notable bancassurance partnership with DBS. Under his guidance, the company introduced digital tools and new distribution models, enhancing operations and customer satisfaction. Dr. Khoo brings extensive financial services expertise and has served as past president of the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.  During the transition period, Dr. Khoo will continue to serve as the CEO ofSingapore, until he hands over the role toBenoit Mesleton June 1. 



  • Benoit Meslet, CEO ofJapan,will become the CEO ofSingapore, effectiveJune 1, 2025, pending regulatory approval. Since joining Manulife in 2020, Benoit has led the business to achieve four consecutive years of core earnings growth, double New Business Value since 2022, and deliver a fast-paced digital transformation, resulting in record-high customer satisfaction and top-quartile employee engagement. With over 20 years of leadership experience inAsia'slife insurance industry, he is well-prepared for this new role.



  • Ryan Charland,CEO ofIndonesia,will transition to CEO ofJapan,effectiveMay 1, 2025.  Mr. Charland will join Mr. Meslet inJapanin April to ensure a smooth transition. Under Mr. Charland's leadership since 2019, Manulife Indonesia has increased market share and achieved a leading Net Promoter Score. He recently launchedIndonesia'snew Syariah company to tap into the large and underpenetrated Muslim population. His expertise in product development, distribution, operations, finance, and risk management will drive continued growth in Manulife Japan.



  • Lauren Sulistiawatiisappointed CEO ofIndonesia, startingFebruary 24, 2025, pending regulatory approval. She will work closely with Mr. Charland to ensure a seamless transition, reporting to Dr. Khoo. Ms. Sulistiawati joins from Commonwealth Bank, where she successfully transitioned their operations to Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) while maintaining positive customer experiences. She has held leadership roles in various Indonesian and multinational banks, focusing on transformation, Syariah business growth, and regional insurance partnerships with FWD and AIA. 



  • Adrienne O'Neill,Global Controller and Group Chief Accounting Officer, isappointedAsiaChief Financial Officer,reporting toColin Simpson, Global Chief Financial Officer, andPhil Witherington. Ms. O'Neill has been with Manulife for over 17 years, and has held a variety of key Finance roles, most recently as Global Controller and Group Chief Accounting Officer. She also served as the Global Head of Investor Relations from 2018 - 2021.



  • As part of these changes, Michael Thomssen, Chief Financial Officer,AsiaandSachin Shah, Head of Emerging Markets, will be leaving Manulife. We thank them both for their contributions to Manulife and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Phil Witheringtonis the incoming President and CEO of Manulife effectiveMay 9, 2025. Members of the Manulife Asia Senior Leadership Team will report to Mr. Witherington until his successor is announced.

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters inToronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife acrossCanada,Asia, andEurope, and primarily asJohn Hancockinthe United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2023, we had more than 38,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 35 million customers. We trade as'MFC'on theToronto,New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under'945'inHong Kong. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visitmanulife.com.

Media Contact

Carl Wong

Head of External Communications,Asia

Manulife

Email:carl_kk_wong@manulifeam.com

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SOURCE Manulife