John Hancock Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

John Hancock has 10 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, private market operations, financial oversight, and strategic marketing.

Committed to long-term financial security for millions, John Hancock delivers comprehensive insurance, retirement, and wealth management solutions across global markets through innovative digital platforms and expert financial guidance.

Leadership Roles at John Hancock

  • Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock - Alexander Silva
  • Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services - Fernando Silva
  • Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments - Deirdre Daesen
  • President - John Dunlap
  • Chief Information Officer - Kartik Sakthivel
  • Private Markets Chief of Staff - Cori Gillen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Robert Walters
  • Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) - Sunil Saxena
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) - Lindsay Hanson
  • Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account - E. Pemstein
  • Alexander Silva - Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock

    Alexander Silva, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock at John Hancock, oversees the financial health and capital management of the organization. Silva directs the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes that support the company's extensive insurance and investment operations. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock ensures the firm's ability to meet long-term obligations to policyholders. Alexander Silva manages the company's balance sheet and capital allocation strategies to optimize returns across global markets. This role involves frequent interaction with investors and regulatory bodies to provide transparency regarding financial performance. Silva drives initiatives that improve cost efficiency and enhance profitability across all business lines. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock supports the company's mission to provide financial security and sustainable growth for millions of Americans and international clients.

    Fernando Silva - Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services

    Fernando Silva, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services at John Hancock, manages the treasury operations and fund accounting for the firm's investment products. Silva directs the liquidity management and cash flow strategies that underpin the company's portfolio services. By overseeing fund-level financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services ensures accuracy and compliance with global financial standards. Fernando Silva coordinates with portfolio managers to optimize the capital structure of various investment funds. This role involves monitoring market volatility and adjusting treasury strategies to protect assets. Silva drives operational improvements in fund administration to enhance service delivery for clients. Through meticulous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services maintains the integrity of the firm's investment offerings and supports long-term financial goals.

    Deirdre Daesen - Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments

    Deirdre Daesen, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments at John Hancock, manages the operational framework for the firm's infrastructure investment arm. Daesen directs the execution of complex investment strategies, ensuring that all operational activities support the company's long-term financial goals. By overseeing the infrastructure portfolio, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments optimizes asset performance and risk management protocols. Deirdre Daesen coordinates with global teams to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities across diverse geographic regions. This role involves rigorous oversight of compliance and reporting standards to maintain the firm's reputation for excellence. Daesen drives initiatives that improve operational efficiency within the investment division, directly impacting the company's ability to provide secure financial solutions. Through disciplined management, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments ensures the stability and growth of the infrastructure assets.
    Deirdre Daesen

    John Dunlap - President

    John Dunlap, the President at John Hancock, leads the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the company. Dunlap directs the integration of insurance, retirement, and wealth management services to provide a cohesive experience for clients. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, the President ensures that the firm remains a significant player in the global finance industry. John Dunlap manages the executive team and oversees the implementation of long-term growth strategies across North America, Europe, and Asia. This role involves engaging with key stakeholders to drive the company's mission of providing financial security. Dunlap drives organizational performance by aligning business units with the firm's core values and market objectives. Through decisive leadership, the President maintains the company's competitive advantage and ensures the delivery of high-quality financial products and services to millions of individuals and businesses.

    Kartik Sakthivel - Chief Information Officer

    Kartik Sakthivel, the Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, directs the enterprise-wide digital transformation strategy. Sakthivel architects scalable cloud infrastructure to support the company's extensive portfolio of life insurance and annuity products. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances data security and improves the digital experience for individual consumers across North America. This leadership role involves close collaboration with business units to integrate advanced analytics into financial planning services. Kartik Sakthivel drives operational efficiency by implementing automated workflows that streamline policy administration. Through the deployment of cutting-edge software solutions, Sakthivel ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the global insurance market. The Chief Information Officer focuses on building resilient technology frameworks that support long-term growth and provide robust financial security for clients worldwide.
    Kartik Sakthivel

    Cori Gillen - Private Markets Chief of Staff

    Cori Gillen, the Private Markets Chief of Staff at John Hancock, coordinates strategic initiatives across the firm's investment divisions. Gillen manages the operational alignment of private market assets, ensuring that portfolio management teams execute investment mandates effectively. By facilitating communication between senior leadership and investment desks, the Private Markets Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation for complex financial products. Cori Gillen oversees the integration of market intelligence into the company's broader wealth management strategy. This role requires constant monitoring of global economic trends to mitigate risks within the private equity and infrastructure portfolios. Gillen drives cross-functional projects that enhance the firm's ability to deliver tailored financial solutions to institutional and individual clients. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Private Markets Chief of Staff supports the company's mission to provide sustainable financial growth and long-term value.

    Robert Walters - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Robert Walters, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, oversees the overarching technology vision for the organization. Walters directs the development of secure, high-performance platforms that power the company's retirement planning and wealth management services. By aligning technical capabilities with corporate objectives, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that digital tools meet the evolving needs of a diverse client base. Robert Walters manages large-scale technology budgets and leads teams focused on cybersecurity and data governance. This leadership position involves frequent engagement with the Board to report on digital risk management and innovation progress. Walters drives the adoption of emerging technologies to improve service delivery across international markets. Through strategic planning and execution, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity and reliability of the firm's financial infrastructure.

    Sunil Saxena - Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US)

    Sunil Saxena, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) at John Hancock, leads the technological strategy for the US retirement business. Saxena architects digital solutions that simplify retirement planning for millions of Americans. By focusing on user-centric design, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) enhances the accessibility of retirement products through mobile and web applications. Sunil Saxena manages the integration of complex financial data systems to ensure accurate and timely reporting for retirement accounts. This role involves collaborating with product managers to develop innovative features that help clients meet their long-term financial goals. Saxena drives the implementation of secure, scalable platforms that support the company's retirement services. Through technical leadership, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) ensures that the firm remains a leader in the US retirement market by providing reliable and efficient digital tools.

    Lindsay Hanson - Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock)

    Lindsay Hanson, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) at John Hancock, directs the brand strategy and health-focused product development. Hanson architects marketing campaigns that highlight the company's commitment to financial security and holistic wellness. By integrating health and wellness solutions into the core insurance offerings, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) differentiates the firm in a competitive market. Lindsay Hanson manages the customer experience across all digital and physical touchpoints to ensure brand consistency. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor financial products that address specific health and wellness needs. Hanson drives growth by expanding the reach of wellness-integrated insurance programs. Through strategic communication and product innovation, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) strengthens the company's market position and fosters long-term client engagement.
    E. Pemstein, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account at John Hancock, directs the legal and regulatory strategy for the firm's global general account. Pemstein oversees the management of legal risks associated with the company's vast portfolio of insurance and investment assets. By ensuring compliance with international regulations, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account protects the firm's interests and maintains its reputation for integrity. E. Pemstein provides legal guidance on complex financial transactions and corporate governance matters. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape across multiple continents. Pemstein drives the development of legal frameworks that support the company's business objectives while mitigating potential liabilities. Through expert legal oversight, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account ensures the stability and security of the firm's global operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding John Hancock Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads John Hancock?
    John Hancock is led by Alexander Silva (Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock), along with executives such as Fernando Silva (Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services) and Deirdre Daesen (Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments).
    Who is part of John Hancock’s executive team?
    The executive team of John Hancock includes leaders such as Alexander Silva (Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock), Fernando Silva (Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services), Deirdre Daesen (Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does John Hancock have?
    John Hancock has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in John Hancock’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of John Hancock includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock, Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments, President, Chief Information Officer.