John Hancock Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

John Hancock has 10 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, financial strategy, marketing innovation, and operational management.

Focused on delivering long-term financial security to millions, John Hancock empowers clients through comprehensive life insurance, retirement planning, and wealth management solutions across global markets.

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 - Piper Groves
  • Chief Information Officer - Kartik Sakthivel
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Robert Walters
  • Private Markets Chief of Staff - Cori Gillen
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) - Lindsay Hanson
  • Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) - Sunil Saxena
  • 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, manages the treasury operations and portfolio services for the company's investment funds. Silva oversees liquidity management and capital allocation to ensure the firm maintains a strong financial position. By monitoring market volatility, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services mitigates risk across the investment portfolio. This role involves coordinating with global finance teams to ensure compliance and reporting accuracy. Fernando Silva drives the optimization of fund performance through rigorous financial analysis and strategic oversight. Through the management of treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer & Group Assistant VP, John Hancock of Funds, Treasury & Portfolio Services supports the company's ability to offer competitive financial products. Ultimately, Silva ensures the fiscal health of the organization, enabling the delivery of long-term value to clients.

    Alexander Silva - Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock

    Alexander Silva, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock at John Hancock, directs the overall financial strategy and corporate accounting functions. Silva oversees the preparation of financial statements and ensures transparency for stakeholders and regulatory bodies. By analyzing revenue streams and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock drives profitability across the company's diverse product lines. This leadership role involves setting financial targets and monitoring performance against long-term growth objectives. Alexander Silva coordinates with the executive team to allocate capital effectively toward high-growth opportunities in insurance and wealth management. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock maintains the company's reputation for stability and reliability. Ultimately, Silva provides the financial leadership necessary to navigate global market conditions, ensuring that the firm continues to provide essential 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, oversees the operational execution of large-scale infrastructure investment projects. Daesen manages the day-to-day activities of the infrastructure team, ensuring that investment strategies align with the firm's risk and return profiles. By streamlining operational workflows, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments enhances the efficiency of asset management. This role involves coordinating with global partners to identify and develop infrastructure opportunities that support long-term wealth creation. Deirdre Daesen drives the implementation of best practices in project management and operational governance. Through the oversight of complex investment portfolios, the Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer Manulife (John Hancock) Infrastructure Investments ensures that the company delivers consistent results for institutional and individual clients. Ultimately, Daesen strengthens the firm's position in the global infrastructure market.
    Deirdre Daesen

    Piper Groves - President

    Piper Groves, the President at John Hancock, leads the overall business operations and strategic direction of the company. Groves defines the organizational vision, ensuring that all departments work in harmony to provide superior financial products and services. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, the President drives the company's growth across North America and international markets. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board and senior executives to execute long-term business plans and address emerging market challenges. Piper Groves directs the expansion of the firm's life insurance and retirement planning offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients. Through the oversight of key business units, the President ensures that the company maintains its status as a premier provider of financial security. Ultimately, Groves guides the organization toward achieving its mission of helping millions of Americans reach their financial goals through tailored, reliable solutions.

    Kartik Sakthivel - Chief Information Officer

    Kartik Sakthivel, the Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, directs the digital transformation of core insurance platforms. Sakthivel architects scalable cloud infrastructure to support the vast data requirements of life insurance and annuity products. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the digital experience for individual consumers and business partners across North America. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to align technological capabilities with long-term financial goals. Kartik Sakthivel drives the implementation of advanced analytics to improve risk assessment and operational efficiency. Through the integration of secure, high-performance software solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the global finance industry. Ultimately, Sakthivel secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained growth and reliable service delivery to millions of Americans.
    Kartik Sakthivel

    Robert Walters - Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Robert Walters, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, oversees the enterprise-wide technology strategy and cybersecurity framework. Walters manages the complex digital ecosystem that supports retirement planning solutions and wealth management services. By prioritizing robust data protection, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer safeguards sensitive client information across international operations. This role requires constant coordination with the Board to ensure technology investments yield measurable improvements in service speed and reliability. Robert Walters drives the adoption of emerging technologies to streamline internal processes and reduce administrative overhead. Through the optimization of digital touchpoints, the Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer improves engagement for both individual and corporate clients. Ultimately, Walters maintains the integrity of the company's digital infrastructure, ensuring that all financial products remain accessible and secure in a rapidly evolving global market.

    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 investment portfolios. Gillen facilitates communication between senior leadership and investment teams to ensure alignment with the company's broader financial objectives. By managing complex project workflows, the Private Markets Chief of Staff optimizes the execution of wealth management strategies. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to support informed decision-making regarding infrastructure and private equity assets. Cori Gillen drives operational excellence by refining internal processes and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. Through the oversight of key performance indicators, the Private Markets Chief of Staff ensures that investment activities contribute effectively to the firm's long-term growth. Ultimately, Gillen supports the executive team in navigating the intricacies of global private markets, ensuring that the company delivers consistent value to clients seeking diversified financial solutions.

    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 development of brand strategy and innovative health-focused financial products. Hanson designs marketing campaigns that highlight the value of life insurance and wellness-integrated retirement planning. By connecting health outcomes with financial security, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) drives customer engagement and loyalty. This role involves managing the company's digital presence to reach diverse demographics across North America and beyond. Lindsay Hanson directs the integration of wellness programs into core insurance offerings, providing clients with tools to improve longevity and financial stability. Through data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Health and Wellness Solutions (John Hancock) optimizes brand positioning to reflect the company's commitment to holistic financial health. Ultimately, Hanson strengthens the market impact of the firm's unique product suite.

    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 dedicated to the US retirement business. Saxena architects digital solutions that simplify retirement planning for individual participants and corporate plan sponsors. By focusing on user-centric design, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) improves the accessibility of retirement accounts and financial advice. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of automated tools that assist clients in meeting long-term savings goals. Sunil Saxena drives the development of secure platforms that handle complex pension and annuity calculations with high precision. Through the continuous improvement of retirement-focused software, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Technology Retirement (US) ensures that the company remains a leader in the US financial services sector. Ultimately, Saxena supports the firm's mission by providing reliable, efficient technology for retirement security.
    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 insurance products and investment portfolios. By ensuring compliance with international regulations, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account protects the firm's assets and reputation. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on legal implications of strategic business decisions and market expansions. E. Pemstein drives the development of legal frameworks that support the company's diverse financial services. Through the oversight of legal operations, the Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer, Global General Account ensures that all business activities adhere to the highest standards of integrity and governance. Ultimately, Pemstein provides the legal foundation necessary for the company to operate securely and effectively in the global finance industry.

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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.