Manulife appoints new chief HR officer

Manulife Financial Corp. has appointed Pamela Kimmet to the role of chief human resources officer, effective Oct. 1.

Kimmet most recently served as chief HR officer for Cardinal Health Inc. Previously, she led HR at Coca-Cola Ltd., Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc., and held strategic HR positions at Citigroup Inc. and General Motors Co. She has also served on Manulife’s board of directors since 2016.

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“Pam’s vast experience across a variety of industries and geographies makes her the ideal leader to take on this important role,” said Roy Gori, president and chief executive officer of Manulife, in a press release. “Building a high-performing team and culture is one of our five strategic priorities as we transform our company into a digital, customer-centric market leader. Pam joins us at a critical time in our history and her expertise in talent development and organizational change will be of great value as we work to achieve our bold people and culture ambitions.”

Manulife also announced the retirement of chief investment officer and chairman of global wealth and asset management Warren Thomson, who will be leaving the company Feb. 28, 2019.

Paul Lorentz has been promoted to the role of president and chief executive officer of global wealth and asset management and Scott Hartz has been promoted to the position of chief investment officer. Both changes are effective Mar. 1, 2019.

Lorentz has been with Manulife since 1993 and has held a number of wealth and asset management roles, while Hartz currently serves as head of general account investments for Manulife and chief investment officer for Manulife subsidiary John Hancock Life Insurance Co.

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“Paul and Scott are proven leaders who have built and maintained strong momentum across their mandates and teams,” said Gori. “I’m confident they will continue to create significant value for our organization, our customers and our shareholders.”

Thomson oversaw the establishment and growth of Manulife Asset Management during his tenure, growing its assets under management from $94 billion in 2006 to $516 billion at the end of June 2018, according to the release.

“Warren has made numerous contributions across our global franchise. He is a trusted and respected leader, and he will leave a strong legacy,” said Gori. “On behalf of the board and executive leadership team, we thank him and wish him all the best in retirement.”

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