Manulife has announced a leadership changes which the Canadian-headquartered insurer said is designed to “accelerate Asia growth and financial performance globally”.
Phil Witherington, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, will take on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Asia as of July 1, 2023. Witherington will continue to report to Roy Gori, President and CEO of Manulife, and remain on Manulife’s Executive Leadership Team.
Damien Green, the previous President and CEO of Manulife Asia, will now chair Manulife Financial Asia and work with Witherington to ensure a smooth transition.
“Phil has helped strengthen our solid financial foundation as we enter the next stage of our journey,” said Gori. “We have bold ambitions for Asia and Phil’s deep appreciation of our team, market, and opportunity across the region will help accelerate our growth agenda for this critical part of our business.”
Gori also thanked Green for his leadership of Manulife Asia over the past year, saying “I’d like to thank Damien for his leadership of Manulife Asia this past year and our Hong Kong business before that. Throughout his tenure, his commitment to our customers, team and agents has helped secure our competitive position across the region.”
The changes to Manulife’s executive leadership team are part of the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
