Manila, Philippines — Manulife Philippines, the local business of global financial services provider Manulife, recently announced two veterans of the firm will be taking new roles to lead its financial and risk functions. Justin Helferich, the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will be instrumental in achieving the company’s growth ambitions in the country, while Katerina Suarez, the firm’s new Chief Risk Officer (CRO), will lead the efforts to mitigate operational risks to drive business profitability and productivity.
“Recent global socio-economic disruptions and uncertainties have prompted more Filipinos to consider purchasing life insurance products as financial safety nets for themselves and their loved ones. To respond to the rising consumer demand, Manulife Philippines continues to strengthen its leadership team by appointing industry veterans who will lead the Company in pursuing growth opportunities and navigating market and industry risks, while serving our customers with excellence,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
As CFO, Justin Helferich will lead the optimization of the company’s financial strategy, strength, and performance, including revenue generation and capital management. Helferich has been with Manulife since 2010 and has held progressively more senior roles in the United States and Asia. Before his most recent appointment, Mr. Helferich served as Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Cambodia, where his resilient and determined leadership helped maintain the company’s strong market position.
CRO Katerina Suarez will oversee action plans on compliance, operational, reputational, and strategic risk management, act as a strategic partner to the business, and ensure proper identification and mitigation of company risks. She joined Manulife Philippines as CFO in 2017 before moving to a regional role, leading In-Force and Expense Management for Manulife’s Emerging Markets team in 2021.
