Manulife Philippines has appointed Ganesh Murugesan as chief information officer (CIO) as the insurer looks to strengthen technology execution, accelerate business transformation and improve customer experience.
Murugesan joins the company’s executive committee in his new role, bringing nearly 25 years of technology experience, including eight years with Manulife’s regional technology team in Hong Kong.
Before becoming CIO, Murugesan served as Head of Delivery for Manulife Philippines, where he was involved in strengthening the company’s technology delivery capabilities and supporting major transformation initiatives across the business.
His experience includes developing and implementing technology solutions aimed at supporting distribution growth, transforming operations and improving customer experiences across insurance businesses in Asia.
The appointment comes as financial services companies increasingly look to technology, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to improve how products and services are delivered to customers and distributors.
“Ganesh brings deep expertise and a strong execution track record that will be critical as we continue to strengthen our technology capabilities and drive transformation across the business,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Philippines.
Hora said Murugesan’s regional experience will help the company align its technology priorities more closely with business objectives and deliver more consistent and efficient customer experiences.
“He will play an important role in connecting our technology priorities more closely to business outcomes, ensuring we deliver consistent, high-quality experiences at scale,” Hora said.
AI and innovation in focus
IMAGE CREDIT: Manulife
For Murugesan, the role will include strengthening technology capabilities while using AI and innovation to improve how Manulife serves customers, distributors and employees.
“I’m excited to work with colleagues across Manulife Philippines to strengthen execution and technology capabilities that help us deliver better outcomes for our customers, distributors, and colleagues,” Murugesan said.
He added that investing in people while transforming the business through AI and innovation could help improve customer experience, shorten time to market and support the company’s growth plans.
The appointment places technology leadership at the center of Manulife Philippines’ broader transformation agenda, with the CIO role expected to connect technology investments more directly to operational and customer outcomes.
Regional experience
Murugesan spent the past eight years as part of Manulife’s regional technology organization in Hong Kong, giving him experience working on transformation programs across multiple markets in Asia.
His move into the Philippines CIO role also gives the local business a technology leader with experience spanning both regional initiatives and local execution.
Manulife Philippines said the appointment is intended to strengthen its ability to execute technology priorities while supporting sustainable growth and operational transformation.
The company has operated in the Philippines since 1907 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.
Manulife Financial Corporation had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents and more than 37 million customers globally at the end of 2025, with operations across 25 markets.
