Manulife Financial Corp. : Andrew John O joins Manulife Asset Management as Senior Portfolio Manager for Korean equities

For Immediate Release January 9, 2013

Andrew John O Senior Portfolio Manager

In recognition of the growing strategic importance of the Korean market, Manulife Asset Management announces today that it has added to its equity capabilities by appointing Andrew John O as Senior Portfolio Manager dedicated to the research, analysis and management of Korean equities. Based in Hong Kong, he reports to Ronald CC Chan, Head of Equities, Asia.

Andrew will work closely with Manulife Asset Management's Hong Kong-based equity investment team and equity teams across Asia to facilitate real-time information flow. The firm has more than 85 equity professionals located on-the-ground in 10 markets across Asia. Andrew will work with these teams to manage and advise on the Korean equity market exposure within regional portfolios. Manulife Asset Management has over US$50 billion in assets under management in the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Ronald CC Chan said: "Andrew is a welcome addition to Manulife Asset Management's Asian equities team. In particular, his extensive Korean equity market experience bolsters our investment capability in this important market. Andrew's expertise contributes to the management of all portfolios that hold Korean equities across the firm's investment products, adding significant value to our mutual fund and insurance-linked investment product offerings and institutional mandates."

Andrew has been in the investment management industry for 15 years and has significant experience in fundamental research and portfolio management on the Korean market. He joins Manulife Asset Management from Horizon Asset International. Prior to this he worked with Frontpoint Partners, Goldman Sachs, the World Bank and the Korea Technology Banking Corporation (KTB).

Andrew's appointment continues the expansion of Manulife Asset Management's Asian equity investment team. In December 2012 the firm announced the addition of Oscar Leung as Senior Portfolio Manager for Hong Kong equities.

About Manulife Asset Management
Manulife Asset Management is the global asset management arm of Manulife Financial. Manulife Asset Management provides comprehensive asset management solutions for institutional investors and investment funds in key markets around the world. Manulife Asset Management also provides investment management services to affiliates' retail clients through product offerings of Manulife and John Hancock. This investment expertise extends across a broad range of asset classes including equity, fixed income and alternative investments such as real estate, timber, farmland, as well as asset allocation strategies.

Manulife Asset Management has investment presence in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. In addition, it has a joint venture asset management business in China, Manulife TEDA. It also has operations in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Uruguay. John Hancock Asset Management, Hancock Natural Resource Group and Declaration Management and Research are units of Manulife Asset Management.

Manulife Asset Management was named Best Asian Bond House for 2011 by Asia Asset Management. As at 30 September 2012, assets under management were US$228 billion. Additional information about Manulife Asset Management can be found at ManulifeAM.com.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. In 2012, we celebrate 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$515 billion (US$523 billion) as at 30 September 2012. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

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.

Media contact:
Ginie Lam
Manulife Asset Management (Asia) Ltd.
Tel: [phone]
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