Manulife Financial President & CEO Accepts the International Business Executive of the Year in Toronto on Behalf of all Manulife Employees, Past and Present

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - At the presentation of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award on November 15 in Toronto, Donald Guloien took the opportunity to thank all of the employees and partners at Manulife Financial who have contributed to this award and success, "This award truly belongs to all of Manulife's employees, past and present. I am extremely proud and humbled to receive this award on their behalf," said Mr. Guloien.

"The board of directors, staff and members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are very pleased to recognize Mr. Guloien and offer sincere congratulations to him and all Manulife associates. Guided by his vision and stewardship, Manulife Financial is a true international leader in the industry. Mr. Guloien and his Manulife colleagues are outstanding partners at all levels of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network and remain a model of Canadian success both at home and abroad," said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Beatty also presented Mr. Guloien with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, an award that recognizes Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow countrymen, their community, or to Canada.

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Canadian Minister of Finance noted, "This is a well deserved honour for a great Canadian business leader. Don has led the way with Manulife in Asia, which is a great credit to a Canadian-based executive."

Manulife's Chair of the Board, Dr. Gail Cook-Bennett said, "Manulife applauds Donald's recognition as an accomplished leader with a strong commitment to international growth.  A leader with very high standards, he is not only analytically strong but is sensitive to the values and practices of other cultures and people."

Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Junsai Zhang recalled, "Manulife entered China in 1996, the year when the Asian financial crisis started. It was also a very difficult time in China, but Manulife saw the potential market in our country despite the difficult situation. They know China.  They understand China.  I congratulate Donald for his very strong leadership in business in Asia."

Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Dienne Hardianti Moehario stated, "Manulife is one of the brand names in the Indonesian insurance market. Manulife has well positioned itself in Indonesia as it provided various services needed by the public through insurance products. I firmly believe Manulife's business in Indonesia will further develop in the years to come."

Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Kaoru Ishikawa gave his thanks, "Donald, allow me to express my sincere congratulations on the wonderful occasion of this award. You and all the employees of Manulife deserve it."

United States Ambassador to Canada, David Jacobson said, "One of the things that struck me in the conversations that I've had with Don is how you've got two companies, Manulife a 125-year old company in Canada, and Hancock, which is a very venerable business in the United States and they run them as one business. I think that really says a lot not just about the company, but I think it says a lot about the nature of the relationship between our two countries."

Mr. Guloien has held a variety of leadership roles within Manulife, through which he developed operating experience in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Guloien led Manulife's Business Development unit, spearheading a number of key acquisitions, divestitures and strategic initiatives and from 2001 to 2009, he was responsible for Manulife's worldwide investment operations. Mr. Guloien became President and CEO of Manulife Financial in 2009. Over the past three years, Manulife Financial's Asian operation has become its fastest growing division, representing about one-third of the company's earnings excluding notable items.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$515 billion (US$523 billion) as at September 30, 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com. 

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

Image with caption: "Richard E. Waugh, Scotiabank President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald A. Guloien, Manulife Financial President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award 2012 (CNW Group/Manulife Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121116_C8680_PHOTO_EN_20807.jpg

Image with caption: "Dienne Hardianti Moehario, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada, and Zhang Junsai, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award 2012 (CNW Group/Manulife Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121116_C8680_PHOTO_EN_20805.jpg

Image with caption: "David C. Jacobson, United States Ambassador to Canada and Syd Jackson, former President, Chief Executive Officer and Manulife Chair at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award 2012 (CNW Group/Manulife Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121116_C8680_PHOTO_EN_20804.jpg

Image with caption: "Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce International Business Executive of the Year Award 2012 (CNW Group/Manulife Financial Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121116_C8680_PHOTO_EN_20806.jpg