Manulife PH appoints new president-CEO
Manulife Philippines has appointed a new president and chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Ryan Charland, who, following a five-year stint in Manila, has been assigned to lead the Canadian firm’s operations in Indonesia.
Effective last August 5, Richard Bates, a finance industry veteran with a background in advancing insurance penetration in emerging markets in Asia, took the helm of Manulife Philippines.
Prior to joining Manulife, Bates served as CEO of a multinational insurance firm in Cambodia, where he spearheaded the company’s market entry and launched its multi-channel operations.
Bates was also responsible for the Asia operations of a private equity fund focused on investing and incubating insurance startups. He also had led a multinational consulting firm’s deal strategy unit in Hong Kong and its financial services line of business across Asia.
“I believe that Richard’s broad experience will enable Manulife Philippines to achieve its significant potential and deliver on our mission of helping our customers make decisions easier so that they can live better lives,” Joschi Wessling, Manulife general manager for emerging markets in Asia. said.
For his part, Bates said that with the Philippines’ young and dynamic population and its promising economic growth prospects, the country is one of Asia-Pacific’s most exciting markets for life insurance and investments.
“Manulife Philippines’ focus on providing exceptional customer experience through leveraging technology, combined with its strong history of serving Filipinos and its track record for developing innovative products and services, is a potent recipe for success,” Bates said.
“I see a lot of opportunity for growth and I am excited to work with a strong team to make that happen,” he added.
Beyond his work in insurance and finance, Bates has also been involved in a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities in Hong Kong.
He is an outdoor enthusiast and looks forward to exploring the beauty of the Philippines. Bates will be joined by his family on his assignment to the country.