Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the appointment of Venky Mysore as vice president and country head, Sun Life Financial, India on Tuesday.

“Venky brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to this role and we are pleased to have him on board as we continue to build and strengthen our business in India,” said Stephan Rajotte, president of Sun Life Financial Asia.

In this role, Mysore will be responsible for Sun Life Financial’s investment in the Birla Sun Life joint venture companies, comprising three companies: Birla Sun Life Insurance Co. Ltd/, Birla Sun Life Asset Management Co. Ltd. and Birla Sun Life Distribution Co. Ltd. He will also be responsible for the ongoing relationship with the Aditya Birla Group. Sun Life Financial re-entered the Indian insurance market in 1999 through a joint venture with the Aditya Birla Group.

Mysore brings more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry including experience in North America and in establishing operations in Asia. Mysore’s involvement in the Indian insurance industry began when the government opened the insurance market to international players. During this time, he worked closely with regulators to help shape insurance regulations in the country.

Mysore was most recently the CEO and country manager of MetLife India where he was instrumental in developing the India strategy, building the management team, establishing the distribution network and leading the product development process.

Birla Sun Life has seen tremendous growth since its beginnings. Birla Sun Life Asset Management is the seventh-ranked mutual fund company in India with $3.9 billion assets under management (as of Sept. 30, 2006). Birla Sun Life Insurance is one of the top five privately owned life insurers in the country (as of Dec. 31, 2005), and as of Sept. 30, 2006 had a sales force of 21,500 advisors in 116 branches serving 95 cities.

Mysore takes over from Gary Comerford, vice president, international and general manager, India as he transitions back into a corporate office role as vice president and managing director, international, supporting Sun Life Financial’s broader international interests.

“Gary’s significant contributions to the business in India were a major factor in the success that we’re enjoying with the Birla Sun Life joint venture,” said Rajotte. “Gary’s experience in establishing our India joint venture is of great value as Sun Life explores other international opportunities.”