On Nov. 26, Manulife announced the hiring of Ming Lau (pictured) to serve as chief financial officer overseeing Asia. Lau will report to Colin Simpson, chief financial officer at Manulife. Lau is scheduled to begin in May 2026 and will be based in Hong Kong.
Lau has worked in the financial services industry for nearly three decades. His most recent position involved managing financial operations at HSBC, covering the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions in his role as chief financial officer. During his tenure across multiple markets including mainland China, Canada, and Asia-Pacific, Lau led finance departments managing various operations.
The executive has experience in several finance areas: financial and regulatory reporting, treasury, investor relations, tax, financial planning and analysis, and business finance. His previous roles at HSBC included chief financial officer for HSBC China and chief financial officer for HSBC Global Commercial Banking. Both positions involved experience with financial structures and organisational changes.
Commenting on the appointment, Simpson said: “We are delighted to welcome Ming to Manulife. His extensive experience and proven leadership across multiple markets will be instrumental as we continue to advance our strategic priorities and growth ambitions in Asia.”
Effective Dec. 1, Howden will welcome Alaric Lee as chief commercial officer for Asia operations. Lee has worked in leadership roles across multiple Asia-Pacific markets for over 15 years.
Lee previously held several positions within Marsh and Marsh McLennan. From August 2024 through November 2025, he served as managing director and corporate and commercial leader for Marsh Asia. From September 2023 to August 2024, he was managing director directing sales for Marsh McLennan Hong Kong and Macau.
Lee's career includes a four-year role as senior vice president heading sales for Marsh Hong Kong and Macau beginning in September 2019. He previously worked as vice president managing Marsh’s Hong Kong and Macau construction practice for six years and as client executive for power and construction at Marsh London for three years. Lee also completed an internship in structural engineering at Arup.
In his new role, Lee will oversee Howden’s commercial strategy in Asia and identify expansion opportunities. The appointment reflects Howden’s focus on filling senior leadership positions in its Asia operations. In a statement, Howden said: “His deep regional experience, commercial acumen, and proven leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our growth ambitions and delivering value to our clients across Asia.”
Commenting on his new role, Lee said: “Feeling excited, humbled, and grateful, as I prepare to join Howden as Asia CCO this December. Energised and ready to learn, contribute, and support growth across Asia! To the many friends, colleagues, mentors, and partners that I have met in the past 15 years – thank you. Your great support, collaboration, and insights have all played such a key role in shaping me and my journey, both professionally and personally. Ready for the next challenge, and grateful for all the steps that led me here!”
