Toronto – September 15, 2026 -- Manulife has appointed Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2027, giving her oversight of brand, marketing and customer experience strategy for a company serving more than 37 million customers worldwide.
Chapman joins Manulife's Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to CEO Phil Witherington
Chapman will lead Manulife's Global Marketing organization and report to President and Chief Executive Officer Phil Witherington. Witherington said the appointment reflects internal succession planning and cited Chapman's track record leading transformation as key to advancing Manulife's goal of becoming the top choice for customers.
Chapman moves up from Manulife Canada CMO role, having also led global digital and sustainability agendas
Chapman currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada, where she also leads the company's global Digital, Customer Centricity and Sustainability agendas. She previously held the Chief Marketing Officer role for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management, building experience across marketing strategy, brand, digital, analytics, customer experience and sustainability.
Karen Leggett to retire at year-end, completing a planned leadership handover
Chapman succeeds Karen Leggett, who will retire from Manulife at the end of 2026. The transition has been structured to ensure continuity in the company's global marketing function ahead of Chapman's January 2027 start date.