Manulife announces key leadership changes to drive Asia growth

To accelerate growth in Asia and financial performance globally, financial services provider Manulife has announced leadership changes across its executive leadership team.

Phil Witherington has replaced Damien Green as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manulife Asia, effective July 1. Witherington was previously serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Manulife. Damien Green will now chair Manulife Financial Asia, working with Witherington to ensure a smooth transition.

Before joining Manulife in 2014, Witherington was the Asia-Pacific head of finance for retail banking and wealth management at HSBC. He also held finance roles at AIA and was a financial services specialist at KPMG.

On the other hand, Colin Simpson, CFO for the US and General Account, has succeeded Witherington as Manulife’s CFO, effective July 1. He will also be part of Manulife’s executive leadership team.  

Simpson joined Manulife from Aviva plc, where he held the position of Interim Group CFO, having previously served as CFO for Aviva Canada, and Director of Investor Relations. Prior to his roles at Aviva, Colin was Vice President, Equity Research, at Goldman Sachs International.

“Phil’s deep appreciation of our team, market, and opportunity across the region will help accelerate our growth agenda for our business. As our new Chief Financial Officer, Colin’s experience and perspective will allow us to build on our solid foundation and continue to drive financial performance,” said Roy Gori, President and CEO of Manulife.