Manulife has announced a series of leadership changes across its operations in Canada and Asia, alongside expanded responsibilities for its AI, data, and operations executives, as the insurer advances its enterprise transformation strategy and broader use of artificial intelligence.
The appointments come as major Canadian life insurers continue investing in Asia, digital capabilities, and operational efficiency to offset slower growth in mature North American markets and respond to increasing competition in wealth, health, and protection products.
“These important leadership changes ensure we have the right capabilities, both at the enterprise level and in our key markets of Canada and Hong Kong, to achieve our bold ambition and deliver against our new strategic priorities,” said Phil Witherington, president and CEO of Manulife.
“As we responsibly scale AI to deliver value and improve the customer experience, it is critical that we're structured to move at pace and with operational excellence. I am confident that we have the right leadership team to deliver on Manulife's next chapter of long-term growth.”
The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Patrick Graham has been appointed president and CEO of Manulife Canada and will join the company’s executive leadership team. Graham most recently served as CEO of Manulife Hong Kong & Macau and has more than 25 years of experience in insurance and financial services across Asia.
His appointment comes as Manulife continues to target growth in its domestic market while expanding further in Asia. In its refreshed enterprise strategy announced in late 2025, the insurer said it plans to strengthen its Canadian business while continuing to invest in higher-growth Asian markets and expanding into India.
Wilton Kee will succeed Graham as CEO of Manulife Hong Kong & Macau, subject to regulatory approval. Kee was appointed CFO in 2022 and later named deputy CEO in March 2026. He joined Manulife in 2013 and has held leadership positions across pricing, product, and health operations in Hong Kong and Macau.
Hong Kong remains a major market for Manulife and other Canadian insurers because of strong demand for savings, health, and cross-border wealth products. Market growth has also been supported by the return of mainland Chinese visitors purchasing insurance products following the reopening of borders.
Asia continues to be a significant earnings contributor for Manulife. The company disclosed earlier this year that its Asia segment accounted for 38% of core earnings in 2025, with a target for Asia to contribute roughly half of earnings by 2027.
Manulife’s Asia business also reported strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with core earnings rising 22% year over year, supported by growth in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.
The broader trend has also benefited other Canadian life insurers. Rival Sun Life recently reported higher quarterly earnings driven in part by growth in its Asia operations, particularly in Hong Kong.
The insurer also elevated Jodie Wallis, chief AI officer, who will now report directly to Witherington and join the executive leadership team with oversight of both AI and enterprise data functions.
The move reflects the increasing focus insurers are placing on AI governance, automation, and customer personalization. Carriers globally are expanding AI use across underwriting, claims, distribution, fraud detection, and customer service while also facing increasing scrutiny over governance and responsible AI deployment.
Manulife has identified AI as a central part of its long-term strategy. The company previously said it expects AI initiatives to generate more than US$1 billion in enterprise value by 2027.
According to the insurer, AI tools are already being used to improve underwriting turnaround times, automate preliminary assessments, and support advisors with customer engagement and sales support.
Manulife has also been developing enterprise AI infrastructure, including “agentic AI” capabilities designed to automate workflows across claims, policy servicing, underwriting, and internal operations while maintaining governance controls.
Earlier this year, Rahul Joshi announced his intention to retire as chief operations officer. As part of the leadership changes, Shamus Weiland has been appointed chief technology and operations officer with expanded oversight of both technology and operations.
Weiland joined Manulife in 2019 and has led several enterprise technology initiatives tied to digital transformation and AI deployment.
Stephanie Fadous, chief actuary, will also assume responsibility for in-force management and reinsurance operations, areas that remain central to capital optimization strategies among global life insurers.
Over the past several years, Manulife has completed multiple large reinsurance transactions aimed at reducing capital strain and improving returns, including deals involving long-term care and legacy life insurance liabilities.
Separately, Karen Leggett, global chief marketing officer, has informed the company of her intention to retire at the end of the year. Manulife said a successor will be announced later.
“From bringing Manulife's brand promise to life, to driving AI, customer leadership, and significant digital transformation – Karen's leadership over the years has been essential to shaping Manulife's success,” the company said.
“I want to recognize and thank Naveed Irshad and Rahul Joshi for their leadership and many contributions to Manulife's transformation,” Witherington added. “Congratulations to Patrick Graham, Jodie Wallis, Shamus Weiland, and Wilton Kee for their new appointments – and thank you to Stephanie Fadous for taking on an expanded remit. I am excited for what's to come.”
