Manulife has announced that Pam Kimmet, the company’s chief human resources officer (CHRO), will retire in May 2025. She will be succeeded by Pragashini Fox, who will take on the role of chief people officer effective June 1, following Kimmet’s retirement.
Roy Gori, president and CEO of Manulife, shared the news in a message to the company’s global team. As Manulife prepares for this leadership transition, Gori expressed gratitude to Kimmet for her support and leadership in transforming the organization over the years, wishing her well in her retirement. He also welcomed Fox to the team, highlighting the upcoming initiatives she will lead to further advance the company’s culture and talent agenda.
Kimmet joined Manulife as a Board member in 2016. She then became the CHRO in 2018 after Gori’s appointment and the launch of the company’s transformation efforts. Under her leadership, Manulife said it has achieved a reputation for robust corporate culture, employee engagement, and a competitive edge in the industry, according to the news release.
“Pam has played a key role in helping to create a strong culture that is not only a point of pride for our global colleagues but also a competitive advantage foundational to our success,” Gori wrote in the message. “Thanks to her energy and creativity, Pam and her team have successfully launched a range of programs, such as Podium and Pursuit, and made meaningful strides in advancing inclusion and more, enabling us to achieve industry-leading engagement for the past several years.”
Kimmet’s career spans more than two decades, with leadership roles at five global companies across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and consumer products. She was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources in 2009 and has held senior advisory positions in numerous professional associations.
Fox will join Manulife in January 2024 ahead of her official appointment. She brings extensive experience in human resources leadership, having spent six years at Thomson Reuters, where she serves as head of talent and diversity and head of HR for product, operations, and technology. Before her tenure at Thomson Reuters, she spent 18 years with the Royal Bank of Canada in several senior roles.
“Pragashini’s experience, global orientation, digital expertise, strong business acumen, and appreciation for the work we do make her an ideal successor for Pam,” Gori said. “She has a passion for helping global teams embrace a growth mindset and foster the tenacity and resilience to reach for new heights.”
Fox holds a Bachelor of Science degree from York University and will be based in Toronto, where she currently resides with her family.
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