TORONTO, Nov 05, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Manulife Financial Corporation and The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company announced today that John R.V. Palmer has been appointed to their Boards of Directors, effective November 4, 2009.

Mr. Palmer brings extensive financial institution experience to Manulife's Board, including seven years as Superintendent of Financial Institutions of Canada. Mr. Palmer was the Deputy Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and has advised other regulators including the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. He is a chartered accountant and previously was Canadian Managing Partner and Deputy Chairman of KPMG LLP (Canada). Mr. Palmer holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.

"We are delighted to welcome John Palmer to the Board," said Manulife Chair Gail Cook-Bennett. "His deep financial background, regulatory and global experience provide an excellent fit for our Company."

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers customers a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$437 billion (US$407 billion) as at September 30, 2009.

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 www.manulife.com .

SOURCE Manulife Financial