Toronto-based Manulife Asset Management Ltd. announced on Tuesday that Claude Chene will join the firm in the new role of global head of distribution.
Chene, who will be based out of London, U.K., will join the firm’s executive committee effective July 1 and be responsible for creating the distribution vision and strategy as well as oversee sales and relationship management activity on a global basis. This includes leading Manulife Asset Management’s institutional and wholesale expansion into Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Chene will report to Kai Sotorp, the firm’s president and CEO and global head of wealth and asset management for Manulife Financial Corp (TSX: MFC).
“[Chene] brings tremendous experience and accomplishments to the role and will play an integral part in further establishing and enhancing our brand as a premier asset manager across global markets,” Sotorp said. “In past roles, he has demonstrated his ability to strengthen distribution teams.”
Most recent, Chene was global head of distribution and a board member for Ignis Asset Management in London. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in various positions at AllianceBernstein Ltd, including time as CEO of the firm’s European office and head of institutional sales.