#United States #Boston #John Hancock #Christine Hurtsellers #Kenneth Phelan

New Trustees Enhance Governance at John Hancock

On November 13, 2025, the Board of Trustees of the John Hancock Group of Funds and Manulife John Hancock Investments announced the induction of two new independent members to the Board. Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan join, bringing with them a wealth of experience across various sectors of financial services, compliance management, and corporate strategy.

Dr. Hassell McClellan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, expressed excitement over the appointments, stating that both trustees will inject valuable insights and perspectives necessary to navigate the increasingly intricate landscape of finance. He highlighted that their exceptional track records in their respective fields would significantly bolster the Board's strategic and oversight functions.

Background of the New Trustees

Christine L. Hurtsellers previously held significant positions, such as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer for Fixed Income at Voya Investment Management. Additionally, she served as a board member at the Investment Company Institute. With a background rich in leadership and regulatory expertise, Hurtsellers is poised to provide vital contributions regarding risk management and corporate strategy. Her prior experience as a director for a life and annuity reinsurance business, as well as several large non-profit organizations, showcases her extensive capability in board governance.

Kenneth J. Phelan brings a complementary skill set, having served as a director for various public and private companies, along with significant roles in risk management and legal compliance, notably as Chief Risk Officer at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Phelan's robust understanding of regulatory frameworks and corporate strategy, combined with leadership in investment management and banking, positions him uniquely to fulfill oversight requirements.

With the addition of Hurtsellers and Phelan, the John Hancock Group of Funds Board now includes twelve independent trustees and two interested trustees, showcasing a diverse skill set essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities within the asset management industry in the coming years.

Selecting New Trustees

The process for selecting these two trustees was comprehensive, involving the review of a vast pool of candidates to ensure that their skills would align seamlessly with the Board's strategic objectives. The Board aimed to enhance its oversight capabilities and complement its existing expertise, ensuring a forward-looking approach to risk management and compliance.

About John Hancock Group of Funds

The John Hancock Group of Funds is a notable player in the asset management domain, committed to offering a diversified range of investment options to its clients. With Manulife John Hancock Investments, the firm employs a specialized multi-manager approach, merging its in-house capabilities with an extensive network of independent asset managers. This methodology is designed to offer clients a broader array of investment opportunities while ensuring rigorous oversight.

Conclusion

With the strategic appointment of these new trustees, the John Hancock Group of Funds is well-positioned to tackle the evolving landscape of financial services, ensuring rigorous governance and enhanced decision-making processes for the benefit of shareholders. As both new trustees settle into their roles, their combined expertise promises to advance the objectives of the Board and the interests of those they serve, including a commitment to improved outcomes for investors across various sectors.