Manulife Welcomes Sarah Chapman as Their New Global Marketing Chief in 2027
On September 10, 2026, Manulife Financial Corporation made a significant announcement regarding its leadership team. The company revealed that Sarah Chapman has been appointed as the new Global Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2027. She will be part of the Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Phil Witherington, the company's President and CEO.
Sarah Chapman joins Manulife after a robust tenure within the organization, where she currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada. In her new role, she will lead the Global Marketing division and oversee strategies focused on brand development, marketing efforts, and enhancing customer experience on an enterprise level. With her immense understanding of the company’s operations and her dedication to customer-centric strategies, Chapman is poised to drive Manulife's marketing initiatives into a new era.
Phil Witherington highlighted Chapman's extensive knowledge of the business, customers, and strategic vision as pivotal factors in her selection for this crucial position. He expressed confidence in her capacity to harness the internal talent within the organization, stating, "Her appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline and is the result of thoughtful succession planning. I’m optimistic that her strategic insights, creativity, and proven leadership in transformation will propel us forward, enhancing our focus on customers and reinforcing our ambition to become their top choice."
In addition to her role as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada, Chapman has also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated impressive success in marketing strategy, brand management, digital transformation, analytics, customer experience, and sustainability initiatives. As she transitions into her new global role, Chapman is excited about the opportunity to help improve the lives of over 37 million customers around the world. She noted, "I’m honored to take on this position and am eager to contribute to making lives better globally. Manulife possesses a remarkable Global Marketing team, an esteemed brand, and a commitment to innovation, which I intend to build on as we work collaboratively across the company to deliver impactful experiences for our customers."
Chapman's appointment comes as Manulife prepares for a smooth leadership transition following the retirement of Karen Leggett, the outgoing Chief Marketing Officer, at the end of the year. This transition underscores Manulife's commitment to cultivating leadership talent from within its ranks, ensuring continuity and that the vision for the company remains intact.
About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is an established global player in financial services, helping individuals and institutions navigate their financial journeys. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company functions under the name Manulife in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. By the end of 2025, Manulife had over 39,000 employees, more than 109,000 agents, and multiple distribution partners working to serve over 36 million customers worldwide. The company’s dedication to client service and innovative financial solutions is paramount in its mission to facilitate easier decision-making and enhanced quality of life for customers across various markets. Trading as MFC on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under 945 on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Manulife continues to solidify its position as a trusted partner in the financial services industry.
For more information about Manulife, their new appointments, and ongoing initiatives, please visit their official website.