John Hancock Investments Wins "Ad Campaign of the Year" at Mutual Fund Industry Awards; Honored with Hall of Fame Award

BOSTON, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments won "Advertising Campaign of the Year" at the 22^nd Annual Mutual Fund Industry Awards event, sponsored by Fund Industry Intelligence, on Thursday evening, March 26, in New York City.  The firm also was inducted into the Mutual Funds Industry Hall of Fame, one of three firms to be so honored this year, joining 14 existing member firms.

John Hancock's "Life comes Next" corporate campaign, launched in the fall of 2014, integrates television, online and social media as it tells stories about individuals and families facing pivotal life moments and challenges.

The award citation reads:
"John Hancock took advantage of the growing popularity of mobile devices with its 'Life Comes Next' corporate advertising campaign. The concept, created in partnership with ad agency Hill Holliday, involved teasing viewers with 30-second television ads which had gripping cliff-hangers. Viewers had to go online to a dedicated microsite to see the endings. The ads depicted real-life scenarios with financial implications such as college costs and having enough money to retire, with the tagline, 'When life comes, be prepared for it.'"

"We are honored to receive this award for 'Life Comes Next,' which carries on John Hancock's advertising legacy of authentic depictions of real life situations, while at the same time reflecting today's reality that many are watching TV with their smart phone, laptop or tablet active at the same time as well," said James W. Bacharach, Vice President of Brand, Marketing & Creative Services.

The Mutual Fund Hall of Fame award recognizes continued excellence by firms and the stellar executives they employ, according to Fund Industry Intelligence.  In order to be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, a firm must have three or more award wins over the history of the Mutual Fund Industry Awards. The Hall of Fame citation reads, in part:  "John Hancock Investments has won three awards in just the past ten years…including  2014 when James Oates, independent chairman of the John Hancock Group of Funds board, was named Trustee of the Year."  

For the past 22 years, the Mutual Fund Industry Awards have recognized the people and organizations that stand out for their excellence, achievements and contributions to the mutual fund industry.  Nominees and winners for these annual awards are selected by the editors of Fund Directions and Fund Action based on their extensive industry-wide due diligence. The editors draw on market intelligence as well as considering input from the industry garnered through an annual call for nominations when making their selections.

About John Hancock Investments
John Hancock has helped individuals and institutions build and protect wealth since 1862. Today, we are one of America's strongest and most-recognized brands. As a manager of managers, John Hancock Investments searches the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized expertise for every fund we offer, then to apply vigorous investment oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising standards. Our unique approach to asset management has led to a diverse set of investments deeply rooted in investor needs, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes. John Hancock Investments managed more than $126 billion in assets as of December 31, 2014.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife 
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$691 billion (US$596 billion) as at December 31, 2014. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.  The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments