Manulife Asia has announced strategic senior leadership changes across several regional markets to support its growth plans and enhance operational management.
Dr. Kah Siang Khoo has been appointed CEO of Emerging Markets, with Benoit Meslet becoming CEO of Singapore. Ryan Charland is transitioning to CEO of Manulife Japan, with Lauren Sulistiawati succeeded Charland as CEO of Manulife Indonesia. Adrienne O’Neill has been appointed Asia Chief Financial Officer.
Khoo, who currently serves as CEO of Manulife Singapore, is moving into the role of CEO of Emerging Markets, overseeing operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Khoo brings extensive experience in financial services and previously served as president of the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.
Since joining Manulife in 2018, Khoo has contributed to double-digit growth in APE, NBV, and core earnings (CE) through initiatives including a bancassurance partnership with DBS and the use of digital tools to improve operational efficiency and customer experience, Manulife said. He will continue serving as Singapore CEO until 1 June 2025, when Benoit Meslet will assume the role, pending regulatory approval.
Meslet, currently serving as CEO of Manulife Japan, has over 20 years of leadership experience in Asia’s life insurance sector. During his tenure in Japan, Meslet has recorded four consecutive years of core earnings growth and doubled new business value since 2022, Manulife said, adding that his emphasis on digital transformation initiatives has enhanced customer satisfaction and strengthened employee engagement—two areas that will be critical in his new role.
Meanwhile, Ryan Charland, the current of CEO of Manulife Indonesia, will transition to the role of CEO of Manulife Japan, effective 1 May 2025. Charland, who will collaborate with Meslet during a transition period starting in April, has contributed to the expansion of market share and an improved Net Promoter Score for Indonesia, Manulife said. His leadership also included launching a Syariah business to address the country’s large Muslim population, supporting the company’s growth in the region.
As part of the leadership restructuring in Indonesia, Lauren Sulistiawati will succeed Charland as CEO on 24 February 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Sulistiawati has previously held leadership roles at Commonwealth Bank, OCBC, FWD, and AIA and brings extensive experience in Syariah business development and regional insurance collaborations. She will work with Charland to ensure a smooth transition and maintain ongoing initiatives in the market.
In the finance division, Adrienne O’Neill, previously Global Controller and Group Chief Accounting Officer at Manulife, has been appointed Asia Chief Financial Officer. O’Neill, a 17-year veteran of the company, has held several key finance positions, including Global Head of Investor Relations from 2018 to 2021. She will report to Colin Simpson, Global CFO, and Phil Witherington, President and CEO of Manulife Asia.
Additionally, Michael Thomssen, Chief Financial Officer, Asia, and Sachin Shah, Head of Emerging Markets, will be leaving Manulife. The company acknowledged their contributions to its development over the years.
These leadership changes align with Phil Witherington’s appointment as President and CEO of Manulife, effective 9 May 2025. Until a successor is announced, the Asia senior leadership team will report directly to Witherington.
