Stephen Williams Joins MFC Global Investment Management as Senior Portfolio Manager for Global/EAFE Equities

LONDON, October 11 /PRNewswire/ --

As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen its international equity investment capabilities, MFC Global Investment Management has appointed Stephen Williams as Senior Portfolio Manager for Global/EAFE (Europe, Australia, and Far East) equities, Steve Tyson, Chief Investment Officer for MFC Global Investment Management (Europe), said today.

Mr. Williams, who will be based in MFC Global's London office, will be responsible for managing the organization's specialist Global and EAFE equity portfolios. His appointment is effective October 16.

"We regard the Global and EAFE equity market as a clear growth area for us," Mr. Tyson said. "Having Stephen join our team strengthens that opportunity as he brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of managing Global and EAFE equity portfolios."

Mr. Williams joins MFC Global with nearly two decades of equity investment management experience. Previously he worked as a Global and EAFE Fund Manager for Citigroup Asset Management and before that in Global and Pacific Fund Management positions at AXA Investment Managers and London and Manchester PLC. Mr. Williams graduated from Durham University with a B.A. in Economics. He is an Associate of the UK Society of Investment Professionals.

About MFC Global Investment Management

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. MFC Global has more than 100 years of experience managing portfolios for the Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, John Hancock Life Insurance Company, and other major clients. With more than C$230 billion (more than U.S. $205 billion) in assets under management (as at June 30, 2006), MFC Global Investment Management is a leading global investment management group. Additional information about MFC Global Investment Management may be found at http://www.mfcglobal.com.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at http://www.manulife.com.

Contact: Brian Carmichael Phone: +1-617-663-4748 Email: bcarmichael@jhancock.com

Web site: http://www.mfcglobal.com