Asia’s insurance sector is undergoing organisational restructuring as companies across both the life insurance and casualty sectors announce leadership appointments.
Manulife’s Asia operations are undergoing leadership realignment. Effective Dec. 1, Bonnie Qiu (pictured) will transition from chief distribution officer for Asia to serve as CEO of global high-net-worth (HNW) and chief partnership distribution officer for Asia. This expanded position encompasses steering the organisation’s HNW division while maintaining responsibility for partnership-based distribution networks across the region, spanning bancassurance arrangements, international brokerage channels, and digital platforms.
The transition timeline includes Jean Wong’s planned departure from her position as global HNW CEO in Q2 2026, after spending approximately 30 years in various roles at Manulife. Wong’s tenure was marked by establishing the global HNW business unit in 2023 and overseeing the company’s market entry into the Middle East through a Dubai office opening at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Additionally, Rishi Srivastava has been appointed to Manulife Asias executive leadership team as chief agency officer for Asia, taking effect immediately. Both executives will answer to Steve Finch, who holds the position of president and CEO of Manulife Asia.
When discussing the rationale for the leadership transitions, Finch said: “These leadership changes underscore our commitment to building a strong foundation for achieving high-quality, sustainable growth. Bonnie’s expanded role reflects Manulife’s ambition as we prepare for the next chapter of our global high-net-worth business through more diversified and integrated distribution channels, coupled with an expanding regional footprint. Rishi’s appointment to the senior leadership team reinforces the critical role of our data-driven, professional agency force in driving accelerated growth.”
According to Chosun’s report, Samsung Life Insurance initiated a dual-president model through its Nov. 24 appointment of Lee Seung-ho as president, who will operate alongside Hong Won-hak. The 57-year-old executive previously held the position of vice president directing the Financial Competitiveness Enhancement Task Force. Lee’s educational background includes degrees from Seoul National University in international economics, with professional experience spanning Samsung Securities and Samsung Life Insurance since 1995.
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited has appointed Dinesh Tak to the position of chief agency officer. With more than two decades in insurance distribution and sales, Tak previously held positions at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and Axis Max Life Insurance. His appointment reflects organisational strategy to strengthen direct agency networks.
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Managing director and chief executive officer Anuj Mathur commented on the addition: “We view the agency channel as one of the critical elements in establishing long-term customer trust for Canara HSBC Life. Dinesh’s deep understanding of the insurance landscape, his strategic acumen, and his ability to inspire high-performing teams make him a strong addition to our leadership team. We are excited to have him on board as we build a future-ready agency model that caters to the diverse needs of the modern, financially aware consumer of today and unlocks the next phase of growth for the company.”
Willis, operating under the WTW corporate umbrella, has placed Anthony Wong in the role of head of casualty in Asia. Based in Singapore, Wong relocates from his previous assignment within the Asia Large Account Practice division and brings 20 years of risk management and insurance sector experience. Prior to joining Willis, Wong operated as a risk manager for an Asian conglomerate managing portfolios encompassing retail operations, real estate holdings, telecommunications, pharmaceutical distribution, and power and utility interests.
Paul Ward, directing the property & casualty Asia operations at Willis, noted the appointment’s strategic value. “Anthony has transitioned from his current role in our Asia Large Account Practice where he has worked with some of our most important clients in Asia. His specialty expertise and leadership in managing complex risk portfolios make him an outstanding addition to our team. Anthony’s knowledge and experience will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional casualty solutions to our large and complex clients across Asia,” he said.
