Manulife Asia has announced significant changes to its senior leadership team across emerging markets, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and finance, as part of its ongoing strategy to drive sustainable growth in the region.
Phil Witherington, president and CEO of Manulife Asia, said that the leadership changes reflect the company’s strength in the region and its commitment to achieving its goal of contributing half of Manulife’s core earnings by 2027.
“These leaders have consistently executed our strategy. Their leadership in these new roles will help define the next chapter for Manulife Asia,” Witherington said.
Dr. Kah Siang Khoo, currently CEO of Singapore, has been appointed CEO of emerging markets. In his new role, he will oversee operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. According to a news release, since joining Manulife in 2018, Khoo has led sustained business growth, forged a strategic bancassurance partnership with DBS, and advanced digital tools to improve operations and customer experience. He will continue as CEO of Singapore until June 1, when Benoit Meslet assumes the role.
Meslet, presently CEO of Japan, will transition to CEO of Singapore effective June 1, 2025, pending regulatory approval. The company said that since joining in 2020, Meslet has led four consecutive years of core earnings growth and accelerated digital transformation initiatives, contributing to record-high customer satisfaction and strong employee engagement.
Ryan Charland, CEO of Indonesia, will take over as CEO of Japan on May 1, 2025. Charland led Manulife Indonesia since 2019, and under his leadership, Manulife has expanded market share and introduced new products, including a Syariah company targeting Indonesia’s Muslim population, the news release said. Charland will relocate to Japan in April to facilitate a smooth transition.
Lauren Sulistiawati has been appointed CEO of Indonesia, effective Feb. 24, pending regulatory approval. She will work alongside Charland during the transition. Sulistiawati joins Manulife from Commonwealth Bank, where she played a key role in transitioning operations to Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC). She brings extensive experience in financial services, including Syariah business growth and regional insurance partnerships.
Adrienne O’Neill, currently global controller and group chief accounting officer, has been named Asia chief financial officer. She will report to Colin Simpson, global chief financial officer, and Phil Witherington. O’Neill has been with Manulife for over 17 years, holding leadership roles in finance, including as global head of investor relations.
In connection with these changes, Michael Thomssen, chief financial officer, Asia, and Sachin Shah, head of emerging markets, will be leaving Manulife. The company expressed gratitude for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Additionally, Witherington will assume the role of president and CEO of Manulife on May 9, 2025. Until his successor is named, members of the Manulife Asia senior leadership team will report directly to him.
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