Willis (a WTW business), Sun Life, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have announced leadership changes across Asia..

Willis realigns natural resources, construction, and CRB roles

Willis has adjusted its leadership framework in Asia, introducing new roles across its natural resources, construction, and corporate risk and broking (CRB) operations in the region, effective immediately. Under the new structure, Nicki Tilney (pictured left) will serve as head of natural resources, Asia. She previously held a combined remit as head of natural resources and construction, Asia, overseeing both lines and regional collaboration. Her role now concentrates on the Asia natural resources portfolio, with responsibility for accounts across the sector and coordination with WTW’s broader specialty businesses.

In construction, Willis has appointed Iris Chan (pictured right) as head of construction, Asia, and Sui Jin Wong as deputy head of construction, Asia. Chan will continue to lead the construction business in Hong Kong and Macau while adding regional oversight for construction across Asian markets. Wong will work alongside Chan on business development, client servicing, and regional execution for construction clients. Commenting on the appointments, Iain Drennan, head of construction, Asia-Pacific at Willis, said: “Both Iris and Sui Jin have established track records in leading our construction business in Asia. Iris is devoted to seeking innovative and the best risk transfer solutions for our clients, including infrastructure, superstructure, hospitality, energy, and power projects in the region. She will capitalise on her management experience and industry expertise to grow our construction business in the region, supporting companies in managing their current and emerging risks faced in the industry, jointly with Sui Jin.”

The changes also extend to the firm’s CRB operations in Hong Kong and Macau. As Chan takes on her expanded regional responsibilities, Steve Hutchinson has been appointed head of CRB, Hong Kong and Macau. He will hold this role alongside his existing position as head of property and casualty in the two markets. In his expanded remit, Hutchinson will be responsible for Willis’s operations in Hong Kong and Macau, including coordination between local risk advisers, brokers, and the firm’s specialty practices across Asia. His role will cover corporate and mid-market clients, as well as interaction with sector-focused teams. “These leadership changes and appointments mark a pivotal step in advancing our ambitious long-term strategy for Asia. By deepening our specialty expertise and expanding our leadership bench, we are better positioned to deliver more innovative, client-focused solutions and prepare our clients for a changing tomorrow,” said Luke Ware, head of Asia at WTW.

Sun Life sets CEO succession plan in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Sun Life has outlined a CEO succession plan for its local operations, with chief executive officer and country head Benedict Sison scheduled to retire and Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno named as his successor. Sison, who became CEO and country head of Sun Life Philippines in 2018, will step down from those roles effective April 1. He will remain with the organisation until Dec. 31, 2026, serving as a strategic adviser and as chairman of Sun Life Philippines Holding Company and the Sun Life Foundation.

During Sison’s tenure, Sun Life Philippines has remained the country’s largest life insurer by premium income, according to the company, and now has more than 6.2 million clients and a network of over 22,000 advisors. The business has also added Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corp. and extended its activities through the Sun Life Foundation, which supports various community programs. Sison has been active at an industry level, serving two consecutive terms as president of the Philippine Life Insurance Association and receiving the Executive Champion of the Year award at the Asia Trusted Life Agents and Adviser Awards.

Moreno, who will take over as CEO and country head, currently serves as president of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. He joined Sun Life in May 2025 and has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across financial services and other sectors, including roles in retail, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation. Before joining Sun Life, he was president and CEO of AF Payments and chief strategy officer at Metro Retail Stores Group. “I am delighted to appoint JJ to lead Sun Life Philippines. JJ has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our clients, and an unwavering commitment to our strategy to help more Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. I also want to thank Benedict for his outstanding leadership for nearly eight years. Under his guidance, Sun Life Philippines has sustained our position as a market leader and trusted partner, helping more than 6 million Filipinos to achieve their life goals,” said Manjit Singh, president, Sun Life Asia.

Moreno will have oversight of all Sun Life business entities in the Philippines, including life insurance and related operations, as well as investment and trust activities. “I am deeply honoured to step into this role. Since joining Sun Life, I have seen the strength of our people and our purpose here in the Philippines. I look forward to working with our teams to help more Filipinos to achieve their goals for lifetime financial security and healthier lives, while building an organization that is innovative, sustainable, and a great place to work,” Moreno said.

MAS board sees change in composition

At the regulatory level, MAS has announced a change to its board of directors. The authority said that Heng Swee Keat has stepped down as a member of the MAS board with effect from Jan. 1. Heng has been associated with MAS for around two decades and served as managing director from 2005 to 2011, a period that included the 2008 global financial crisis. During that time, he oversaw measures to strengthen risk management and corporate governance standards in financial institutions and took part in efforts to build Singapore’s role as an international financial centre and a centre for financial technology activity.

“We deeply appreciate Mr Heng’s contributions to the MAS board over the past 20 years, including in his role as managing director from 2005 to 2011. He was instrumental in steering MAS through the 2008 financial crisis, oversaw reforms to strengthen risk management and corporate governance in financial institutions, and enhanced MAS’ standing in global financial circles. He also contributed to Singapore’s development as a financial hub, encouraged the adoption of financial technology and innovation, and the development of talent. His sharp insights and wisdom were tremendous assets for the MAS board. We wish him the best in his future endeavours,” said MAS board chairman Gan Kim Yong.