Anne Thibeault Joins Manulife John Hancock Retirement as Product Head

Anne Thibeault Joins Manulife John Hancock Retirement as Head of Product

Manulife John Hancock Retirement, the U.S. division of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, has announced the appointment of Anne Thibeault as the new Head of Product. This strategic position places her at the forefront of shaping the company's retirement offerings to enhance outcomes for plan sponsors, financial professionals, and participants nationwide.

In her new role, Thibeault is tasked with leading product strategy, transformation, and delivery—all critical areas that directly impact the quality of services provided to clients. CEO Wayne Park expressed his confidence in Thibeault's abilities, highlighting her extensive expertise in the retirement sector. According to Park, her strategic mindset, coupled with her innovative approach to solutions aimed at participants, is exactly what Manulife needs as it transitions to meet the evolving needs of retirement savers today.

With over 20 years of experience in the retirement field, Thibeault has a proven track record in driving innovation. Before joining Manulife John Hancock, she held several notable positions at Empower, a company recognized for its commitment to enhancing retirement outcomes. Most recently, she served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Empower Advisory Group. In this capacity, she was instrumental in integrating and advancing Empower's product capabilities, especially following the acquisition of Prudential's retirement business.

Her wealth of experience is complemented by a collaborative leadership style, earning her a respected voice within the industry. Thibeault reflects a passion for adding genuine value to clients and participants alike, evident in her statements regarding her new role. "I’m excited to join a mission-driven organization that puts participants at the center of everything they do," she said, expressing eagerness to collaborate with advisors and third-party administrators to deliver innovative solutions.

Thibeault's academic background further complements her professional journey, holding an MBA from the University of Hartford and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Stonehill College. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is an active community leader, having served on various nonprofit boards and industry committees.

Manulife John Hancock Retirement has been a significant player in the retirement sector for over half a century. They are renowned for their personalized consultative approach, recognizing that no two plans or participants are alike. As of September 30, 2025, the division had more than 57,000 retirement plans under management, supporting over 3.3 million participants with an extensive $131 billion in assets under management (AUMA).

Thibeault’s arrival aligns with the organization's commitment to continuously enhancing their product offerings, ensuring that they remain attuned to the needs of retirement savers in an ever-changing landscape. This shift underscores the company's dedication not just to managing retirement plans but also to ensuring financial security for participants as they navigate their retirement journeys.

In summary, Anne Thibeault's appointment as Head of Product at Manulife John Hancock Retirement signifies a pivotal step towards innovative and participant-centered solutions in the retirement industry, demonstrating the company’s commitment to evolving with the times. With her leadership, the future looks bright for both the organization and its clients as they seek to achieve lasting financial security.