John Hancock Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

John Hancock has 10 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, retirement planning, private market operations, financial management, and legal strategy.

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

Leadership Roles at John Hancock

  • Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services - Fernando Silva
  • Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock - Alexander Silva
  • Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments - Deirdre Daesen
  • President - John Dunlap
  • Chief Information Officer - Kartik Sakthivel
  • Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) - Sunil Saxena
  • Private Markets Chief of Staff - Cori Gillen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Robert Walters
  • 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
  • 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, oversees treasury operations and portfolio management for the company's fund offerings. Silva manages liquidity and capital structure to ensure the firm meets its long-term financial obligations. The Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services directs the financial reporting and analysis required for complex investment products. By optimizing treasury functions, Fernando Silva supports the stability of the company's wealth management services. This role involves managing risk and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations across diverse markets. Silva drives the strategic planning of portfolio services to maximize returns for clients. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services maintains the fiscal health of the organization.

    Alexander Silva - Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock

    Alexander Silva, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock at John Hancock, manages the comprehensive financial health of the organization. Silva oversees corporate accounting, financial planning, and capital management to support the company's diverse range of insurance and annuity products. The Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock directs the development of financial strategies that ensure long-term profitability and stability. By analyzing market performance and economic trends, Alexander Silva provides critical insights to the executive team for strategic decision-making. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with investors and regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and compliance. Silva drives the optimization of financial processes to improve operational efficiency across all business units. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock secures the resources necessary to deliver on the company's mission of providing financial security to millions of Americans.

    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, directs the operational execution of infrastructure investment strategies. Daesen manages the day-to-day activities of the infrastructure portfolio, ensuring that assets align with the company's long-term growth objectives. The Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments oversees the operational performance of large-scale projects across international markets. By streamlining investment processes, Deirdre Daesen enhances the efficiency of capital deployment. This leadership role involves coordinating with global teams to manage risk and optimize asset performance. Daesen drives the implementation of operational best practices to support the firm's wealth management services. Through rigorous management of infrastructure assets, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments contributes to the overall financial stability and market impact of the company.
    Deirdre Daesen

    John Dunlap - President

    John Dunlap, the President at John Hancock, leads the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the company. Dunlap coordinates the efforts of the executive team to ensure that all business units, from insurance to wealth management, align with the firm's core mission. The President oversees the expansion of the company's presence in international markets, including Asia and South America. By fostering a culture of excellence, John Dunlap drives the company's commitment to providing financial security to millions of clients. This leadership role involves setting long-term goals and monitoring performance across all sectors to ensure sustained growth. Dunlap manages relationships with key stakeholders and the Board to maintain the company's status as a leader in the financial services industry. Through decisive leadership, the President ensures that the organization continues to deliver tailored financial solutions that help clients meet their long-term goals.

    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 vast portfolio of life insurance and retirement products. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the digital experience for millions of individual consumers and business clients. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to align technological capabilities with long-term financial goals. Kartik Sakthivel drives innovation in data analytics, ensuring that the company maintains a competitive edge in the global insurance market. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive financial data across North American and international operations. Ultimately, Sakthivel secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained growth and operational efficiency within the competitive financial services landscape.
    Kartik Sakthivel

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

    Sunil Saxena, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) at John Hancock, manages the specialized technology stack supporting retirement planning solutions. Saxena designs secure, high-performance platforms that enable Americans to manage retirement assets effectively. The Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) oversees the integration of mobile applications with core financial services to improve user accessibility. By streamlining complex retirement workflows, Sunil Saxena optimizes the delivery of financial advice and planning tools. This role requires constant coordination with product teams to ensure that technological solutions meet evolving regulatory standards and consumer needs. Saxena drives the development of digital interfaces that simplify long-term financial planning for diverse client segments. Through focused technological investment, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) strengthens the company's market position in the United States retirement sector.

    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 private market investment divisions. Gillen aligns operational workflows with the broader financial objectives of the company, ensuring that private market activities support long-term wealth management goals. The Private Markets Chief of Staff facilitates communication between investment teams and senior leadership to accelerate decision-making processes. By managing complex project portfolios, Cori Gillen enhances the efficiency of capital allocation strategies. This leadership role involves monitoring market trends to identify growth opportunities within the global investment landscape. Gillen drives cross-functional collaboration to maintain high standards of performance in private market asset management. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Private Markets Chief of Staff ensures that investment strategies remain consistent with the company's commitment to providing financial security to clients worldwide.

    Robert Walters - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Robert Walters, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, leads the overarching technology strategy for the entire organization. Walters defines the vision for digital infrastructure, ensuring that all business units leverage advanced technology to deliver superior insurance and financial services. The Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages large-scale IT budgets and resource allocation to support global operations. By fostering a culture of innovation, Robert Walters enables the company to adapt to rapid changes in the financial technology sector. This leadership role involves advising the Board on long-term digital investments and risk mitigation strategies. Walters drives the integration of emerging technologies into the company's core service offerings. Through strategic oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm remains a leader in providing secure, accessible financial solutions to a global customer base.

    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, leads the brand strategy and the development of health-focused financial products. Hanson designs marketing campaigns that communicate the value of the company's insurance and wellness solutions to a broad consumer base. The Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) oversees the integration of health and wellness programs into the firm's core offerings, encouraging proactive financial and physical health. By leveraging data-driven insights, Lindsay Hanson optimizes customer engagement and brand loyalty. This leadership role involves collaborating with product teams to ensure that wellness solutions meet the evolving needs of clients. Hanson drives the expansion of the company's digital presence to reach new market segments. Through innovative marketing and wellness initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) strengthens the company's market position.
    E. Pemstein, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account at John Hancock, directs the legal and regulatory strategy for the company's global general account. Pemstein manages complex legal risks associated with the firm's extensive portfolio of insurance and investment products. The Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account ensures that all business operations comply with international laws and regulations across North America, Europe, and Africa. By providing expert legal counsel, E. Pemstein supports the strategic initiatives of the executive team. This role involves overseeing contract negotiations and managing litigation risks to protect the company's assets. Pemstein drives the development of governance frameworks that uphold the highest standards of corporate integrity. Through diligent legal oversight, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account safeguards the firm's reputation and long-term financial interests.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding John Hancock Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads John Hancock?
    John Hancock is led by Fernando Silva (Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services), along with executives such as Alexander Silva (Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock) 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 Fernando Silva (Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services), Alexander Silva (Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock), 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 & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services, Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments, President, Chief Information Officer.