John Hancock Funds [profile] is ramping up efforts to become a top 20 mutual fund provider in the wirehouse space. The Boston-based mutual fund firm this morning revealed a trio of personnel moves, including the appointment of a leader for the channel.

"While John Hancock Funds is a top 10 mutual fund provider in many Financial Planning firms, one of our key goals is to become a top 20 fund provider in the Wirehouse channel," said Jeff Duckworth, president of John Hancock Funds Distribution, in a press release.

Hancock appointed Chris Mee to head up the team dedicated to the wirehouse space. Mee reports to Duckworth. Previously, Mee was a vice president at Hancock's retirement plan services unit.

Hancock also created a third divisional manager post for the channel. It tapped Robert Milliman to lead the Western wirehouse division. Spring, Texas-based Milliman was previously retail annuities divisional sales manager for the Southeast.

In addition, Hancock tapped Stuart Littler as the new divisional leader for the Northeast wirehouse channel. Essex, Connecticut-based Littler was previously a senior relationship manager.

Jim Hickey continues in his role as the sales manager in the Southeast.

Hickey, Milliman and Littler report to Mee.

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Company Press Release

John Hancock Funds Taps Chris Mee to Head Wirehouse Distribution Channel; Names Robert Milliman as New Western Divisional Manager

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2012 -- John Hancock Funds, in a move to increase its business in the Wirehouse distribution channel, has tapped Chris Mee to lead the team focused on the channel. Mr. Mee, formerly a Divisional Vice President with John Hancock Retirement Plan Services, reports to Jeff Duckworth, President, John Hancock Funds Distribution.

In addition, John Hancock Funds has added a third Divisional manager, a new position, to the Wirehouse channel. Robert Milliman, who had served as Retail Annuities Divisional Sales Manager Southeast, assumes responsibility for leading the Western Wirehouse Division. He is based in Spring, Texas.

The firm has also named a new Divisional leader for the Northeast Wirehouse channel, Stuart Littler. Previously, Mr. Littler had been Senior Relationship Manager with the John Hancock Funds Wirehouse channel. He is based in Essex, Connecticut. Jim Hickey, John Hancock Divisional Sales Manager Southeast, will continue in his current role. Mr. Milliman, Mr. Littler, and Mr. Hickey report to Mr. Mee.

"While John Hancock Funds is a top 10 mutual fund provider in many Financial Planning firms, one of our key goals is to become a top 20 fund provider in the Wirehouse channel," said Mr. Duckworth. "Coming off two record-breaking sales years -- in 2010 up 49 percent, and 2011 up 30 percent -- the Wirehouse channel will continue to be a critical contributor to our future growth, and we are pleased to tap the expertise and skill of Chris, Stuart, Robert and Jim in pursuit of our goals."

About John Hancock Funds

The Boston-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial, John Hancock Funds manages more than $62.3 billion in open-end funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, retirement plans and related party assets for individual and institutional investors as at September 30, 2011.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canada-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 21 countries and territories worldwide. In 2012, John Hancock celebrates 150 years of serving clients across the United States, while Manulife celebrates its 125th anniversary. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$492 billion (US$473 billion) as at September 30, 2011. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

 

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