MFC Global Investment Management, the diversified institutional investment management group of Manulife Financial Corp., has re-branded its Boston-based investment management unit and has renewed its commitment to increase assets in the U.S. institutional marketplace.

Effective October 1, MFC Global’s Sovereign Asset Management LLC was renamed MFC Global Investment Management (U.S.), LLC.
In addition, Barry Evans has been named president, MFC Global (U.S.). Evans has previously served in a number of positions in his 20 years with the firm, most recently as chief fixed income officer and chief operating officer.

Mark Schmeer continues as chief investment officer of MFC Global, and Timothy Keefe remains chief equity officer.

“The future of investment management requires a global approach. As MFC Global (U.S.), we will work closely with our investment colleagues in Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, and Toronto to deliver in-depth, performance-driven strategies for our clients,” said Evans. “We are firmly committed to leveraging this expertise and to continuing the growth of the asset management business in the United States,” he added.

Additionally, five new members have joined the MFC Global (U.S.) board of directors. They are: Warren Thomson, executive vp, MFC Global; Keith Walter, senior vp, MFC Global; Norman Light, senior vp, MFC Global; John Litzow, senior vp, MFC Global (U.S.), and Schmeer. Thomson will also serve as chairman of the board.

Continuing board members are: Keith Hartstein, president and CEO of John Hancock Funds LLC, and Evans. Three board members have stepped down.

MFC Global Investment Management is the diversified investment management group of Manulife Financial, with investment offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and throughout Southeast Asia.