Manulife Financial appoints Paul Rooney new Chief Operating Officer

Toronto (Nov. 15, 2012) – Manulife Financial today announced that Paul Rooney has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Executive Vice President, effective January 1, 2013. Mr. Rooney will report directly to Manulife President and Chief Executive Officer Donald A. Guloien. Mr. Rooney’s successor as General Manager of Canadian Division has been identified and will be announced shortly.

“I am delighted that Paul has accepted this challenge,” said Mr. Guloien. “He was an obvious choice, someone who has the trust and confidence of his peers and a track record of success.”

In his new role as COO, Mr. Rooney will have responsibility for the following functions: Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Capital Solutions, Human Resources, Branding & Communications, Information Services, Procurement, and Global Resourcing.

Mr. Rooney joined Manulife as an actuarial student in 1986, and has gained extensive experience in leadership roles within the Company. Prior to leading Manulife’s Canadian Division, he served as the Division’s Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Rooney’s experience also includes leading Affinity Markets, and serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Savings and Retirement Services and North American Group Pensions.

He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from The University of Western Ontario and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.

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.