Gail Cook-Bennett, chairwoman of Manulife Financial Corp. and The Manufacturers Life Insurance Co., Friday announced the appointment of Dick DeWolfe as vice chairman, effective December 1.
Cook-Bennett will retire from the board in May 2013, having reached the board retirement age. As vice chairman, DeWolfe will assist her in managing a smooth transition of the affairs of the board until the 2013 annual meeting in May when he will become chairman of Manulife (TSX:MFC).
“Over the past few months, the Manulife board participated in a careful process to identify the next Chair,” said Cook-Bennett, in a release. “The board is fortunate to have someone of Dick DeWolfe’s experience, ability and knowledge of the company take on the role of chair,” she added.
“We have benefited enormously from Dick DeWolfe’s keen interest and wise counsel, as a director at large and as chair of the audit committee,” said Donald Guloien, Manulife president and CEO. “I am looking forward to working even more closely with Dick over the next few years,” he added.
DeWolfe, who joined the board in 2004, is currently Managing Partner of DeWolfe & Company, LLC, a real estate management and investment consulting firm. He was formerly chairman and CEO of The DeWolfe Companies, Inc., the largest homeownership organization in New England. DeWolfe is a director of Avantair, Inc. and holds an Executive Masters Professional Director Certification from the American College of Corporate Directors. DeWolfe received a BAS, Marketing and Finance from Boston University.