Manulife Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Manulife has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, investment management, and regional market expansion.

Focused on delivering robust financial security, Manulife empowers individuals and institutions across Asia, Canada, and the United States through comprehensive insurance, wealth management, and specialized asset solutions.

Leadership Roles at Manulife

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Philip Witherington
  • President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation - Aira Gaspar
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia - Steven Finch
  • Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer - Felix Lai
  • Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America) - Travis Baughman
  • Chief Operating Officer, General Account Investments - Svetlana Radan
  • Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manulife Investment Management & General Account (Asia) - Thomas Shea
  • Chief of Staff - Jason MacDonald
  • Chief Information Officer, & Macau (Hong Kong) - Andy Bruce
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Individual Insurance, Affinity & Gws - Sara Lang
  • Philip Witherington - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Philip Witherington, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Manulife, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global financial services organization. Overseeing the integration of insurance, wealth management, and asset solutions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across diverse international markets including Asia, Canada, and the United States. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to drive long-term value for shareholders and policyholders alike. By prioritizing digital transformation and customer-centric financial advice, Philip Witherington shapes the competitive trajectory of the firm. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a rigorous focus on capital efficiency and risk management, ensuring the company remains a pillar of stability. Through decisive action, Witherington fosters a culture of innovation that supports the evolving needs of individuals, groups, and institutions, ultimately securing the firm's position as a premier global provider of financial protection and wealth growth.
    Philip Witherington

    Aira Gaspar - President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation

    Aira Gaspar, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation at Manulife, oversees the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the investment management arm in the Philippines. Managing complex trust portfolios and mutual fund offerings, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation ensures compliance with local regulatory standards while driving growth in the regional wealth management sector. This leadership role involves architecting investment strategies that cater to the specific needs of individual and institutional clients. By leveraging the broader firm's expertise in asset management, Aira Gaspar enhances the competitive positioning of the local entity. The President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation fosters strong relationships with financial planners and brokers to expand market reach. Through disciplined portfolio management and strategic oversight, Gaspar secures the financial interests of clients, contributing significantly to the overall success of the regional investment business.
    Aira Gaspar

    Steven Finch - President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia

    Steven Finch, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia at Manulife, directs the strategic expansion and operational success of the firm's business across the Asian continent. Overseeing a diverse portfolio of insurance, wealth management, and asset management services, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia ensures that the company meets the complex financial needs of individuals and institutions in this high-growth region. This role involves navigating varied regulatory environments and tailoring product offerings to local market preferences. By fostering strategic partnerships with banks and financial planners, Steven Finch drives significant revenue growth and market share. The President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia collaborates with global leadership to align regional initiatives with the firm's overarching mission. Through visionary leadership and a focus on customer-centric solutions, Finch strengthens the company's presence in Asia, ensuring that the firm remains a trusted partner for financial security and wealth management across the region.

    Felix Lai - Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer

    Felix Lai, the Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer at Manulife, manages the financial health and fiscal reporting for the firm's regional operations. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial planning, the Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer ensures that the business maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities. This role involves monitoring financial performance metrics and providing strategic insights to the leadership team to guide decision-making. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Felix Lai supports the firm's commitment to stability and long-term value creation. The Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer works with regional heads to optimize resource distribution and ensure compliance with local financial regulations. Through meticulous financial analysis and reporting, Lai provides the transparency necessary for effective corporate governance. This leadership role is essential for sustaining the firm's competitive edge and ensuring that financial resources are aligned with the company's broader strategic objectives in the region.
    Felix Lai

    Travis Baughman - Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America)

    Travis Baughman, the Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America) at Manulife, manages the operational complexities of the firm's specialized agricultural asset portfolios. Overseeing the day-to-day performance of timberland and agricultural investments, the Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America) ensures that these physical assets generate consistent value for the broader investment management business. This role involves implementing sustainable farming practices and optimizing supply chain logistics across North American operations. By integrating advanced data analytics into crop management, Travis Baughman improves yield efficiency and long-term asset appreciation. The Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America) collaborates with investment teams to align agricultural performance with the firm's broader wealth management objectives. Through rigorous operational oversight, Baughman mitigates environmental and market risks, ensuring that these unique asset classes remain a stable component of the company's diversified portfolio, ultimately supporting the financial goals of institutional and individual investors.

    Svetlana Radan - Chief Operating Officer, General Account Investments

    Svetlana Radan, the Chief Operating Officer, General Account Investments at Manulife, directs the operational infrastructure supporting the firm's massive general account investment portfolios. Overseeing the middle and back-office functions, the Chief Operating Officer, General Account Investments ensures the accuracy and efficiency of investment reporting, trade settlement, and asset valuation processes. This role involves managing the technological systems that underpin the firm's ability to handle complex financial instruments and reinsurance obligations. By optimizing operational workflows, Svetlana Radan reduces risk and enhances the scalability of the investment platform. The Chief Operating Officer, General Account Investments works in tandem with portfolio managers to ensure that investment strategies are supported by robust operational frameworks. Through continuous process improvement and strategic resource management, Radan maintains the integrity of the firm's financial data. This leadership role is essential for supporting the company's commitment to providing reliable insurance and annuity products to clients across global markets.

    Thomas Shea - Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manulife Investment Management & General Account (Asia)

    Thomas Shea, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manulife Investment Management & General Account (Asia) at Manulife, manages the operational framework for the firm's investment management and general account activities across the Asian region. Overseeing the execution of investment operations, the Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manulife Investment Management & General Account (Asia) ensures that regional portfolios are managed with high precision and regulatory compliance. This role involves coordinating with local teams to streamline asset management processes and enhance service delivery for institutional and individual clients. By implementing standardized operational procedures, Thomas Shea improves efficiency and reduces risk across diverse Asian markets. The Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manulife Investment Management & General Account (Asia) collaborates with regional leadership to support the growth of the wealth and asset management business. Through disciplined operational oversight, Shea ensures that the firm's investment capabilities remain robust and responsive to the unique demands of the Asian financial landscape.

    Jason MacDonald - Chief of Staff

    Jason MacDonald, the Chief of Staff at Manulife, coordinates executive operations and facilitates high-level decision-making processes across the enterprise. Managing the flow of critical information to the senior leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive proper oversight and resource allocation. This role involves bridging communication gaps between various business units, including insurance, wealth management, and asset portfolios. By streamlining internal workflows, Jason MacDonald enhances organizational agility and operational efficiency. The Chief of Staff works closely with the executive office to translate corporate goals into actionable plans that support growth in North American and Asian markets. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional collaboration, MacDonald optimizes the executive agenda, allowing the leadership team to focus on core business objectives. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of corporate priorities, ensuring that the firm maintains its commitment to providing expert financial advice and insurance solutions to a global client base.

    Andy Bruce - Chief Information Officer, & Macau (Hong Kong)

    Andy Bruce, the Chief Information Officer, & Macau (Hong Kong) at Manulife, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the firm's operations in the Hong Kong and Macau markets. Overseeing the deployment of secure, scalable IT systems, the Chief Information Officer, & Macau (Hong Kong) ensures that digital platforms support the delivery of insurance and wealth management services to a diverse client base. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and integrating innovative financial technologies to enhance customer engagement. By driving digital transformation, Andy Bruce enables the firm to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving regional market. The Chief Information Officer, & Macau (Hong Kong) collaborates with regional leadership to align technology investments with business growth objectives. Through the implementation of robust data management systems, Bruce improves operational efficiency and service delivery. This leadership role is critical for maintaining the firm's reputation for reliability and innovation in the highly competitive financial services landscape of East Asia.

    Sara Lang - Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Individual Insurance, Affinity & Gws

    Sara Lang, the Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Individual Insurance, Affinity & Gws at Manulife, drives the sales and distribution strategies for the firm's core insurance and group wealth solutions in Canada. Overseeing the performance of insurance agents, brokers, and financial planners, the Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Individual Insurance, Affinity & Gws ensures that revenue targets are met through effective market penetration and client acquisition. This role involves developing tailored insurance products that address the long-term care and life insurance needs of individuals and groups. By optimizing distribution channels, Sara Lang expands the firm's footprint in the Canadian market. The Chief Revenue Officer, Canadian Individual Insurance, Affinity & Gws works closely with product development teams to ensure that offerings remain relevant and competitive. Through strategic sales management and relationship building, Lang secures the firm's market share. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the company's financial health and its ability to provide essential protection to Canadian policyholders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Manulife Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Manulife?
    Manulife is led by Philip Witherington (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Aira Gaspar (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation) and Steven Finch (President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia).
    Who is part of Manulife’s executive team?
    The executive team of Manulife includes leaders such as Philip Witherington (President & Chief Executive Officer), Aira Gaspar (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation), Steven Finch (President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Manulife have?
    Manulife has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Manulife’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Manulife includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Manulife Investment (Philippines) Management & Trust Corporation, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Asia, Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Row Crops & Berries (North America).