John Hancock Retirement Welcomes Abigail Benham as Head of Strategic Partnerships

John Hancock Retirement Welcomes New Leadership

In a significant development within the retirement sector, John Hancock Retirement, part of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, has announced the appointment of Abigail Benham as the Head of Strategic Partnerships, effective February 1, 2025. This strategic role is designed to help navigate the increasingly complex trends emerging in the retirement landscape and enhance collaborations with various financial entities.

Abigail Benham is no stranger to the organization, having been a pivotal member of the John Hancock team for over 26 years. Her extensive experience has seen her lead the national accounts team, fostering valuable relationships with industry stakeholders. Under the leadership of Wayne Park, the CEO of John Hancock Retirement, and as part of the executive team, she will steer key partnerships and oversee critical business collaborations, including those with broker-dealers, registered investment advisors (RIAs), third-party administrators (TPAs), and payroll firms.

In her new position, Abigail will adopt a comprehensive approach to strategic partnerships. This involves not only engaging with existing partners but also exploring new opportunities that can enrich the overall experience for financial advisors and their clients. She stressed the need for a holistic view in cultivating relationships that can ultimately enhance retirement outcomes for participants across the board.

"I am thrilled to take on this new role at John Hancock Retirement, where I will continue to advance our commitment to being the partner of choice for financial advisors and TPAs," stated Abigail during the announcement. She emphasized that the retirement landscape is continuously evolving, and it's crucial to adapt to the shifting needs of clients. Recognizing the importance of collaborative expertise, Abigail aims to leverage the capabilities of their partners to maximize the efficacy of employer retirement programs.

This appointment marks a key shift in the company’s approach towards strategic partnerships, with the TPA Services team now reporting directly to Abigail, while her existing responsibilities leading the National Accounts team will remain intact. This strategic realignment reflects John Hancock’s commitment to enhancing engagement with a wider range of intermediaries in the retirement services field.

Wayne Park echoed this sentiment, citing Abigail’s proactive leadership and her deep industry insights as critical to steering John Hancock Retirement toward new growth areas. Her role will be instrumental in how the organization engages with brokers and administrators, ensuring they remain a preferred partner in the market.

John Hancock Retirement has built a strong reputation as a leading provider of retirement services in the United States. With over 57,000 serviced retirement plans supporting 3.2 million participants and significant assets under management exceeding $238 billion, the company remains dedicated to providing tailored solutions that cater to unique retirement needs.

As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, John Hancock Retirement seeks to make investment decisions more manageable and improve the quality of life for individuals planning for their financial future. With Abigail at the helm of strategic partnerships, the company is poised to explore new avenues to fulfill its mission, ensuring robust support for clients as they navigate the complexities of retirement planning.

The financial services sector is witnessing rapid changes, and firms that recognize the value of strategic partnerships are likely to thrive. Abigail Benham’s appointment is a clear acknowledgment by John Hancock Retirement of the profound impact that thoughtful collaboration can have on enhancing the retirement experience for all involved.

Through continued enhancements in partnership strategies, John Hancock aims to strengthen its position and further support financial advisors and firms that are critical in helping individuals achieve their retirement goals.