Sun Life Financial Inc. has announced that James H. Sutcliffe will retire as chairman and from the board of directors following the company's annual meeting on May 10, 2017. He will be succeeded as chairman by William D. Anderson, who has been a director since 2010 and who currently chairs the company's audit and conduct review committee.
Mr. Sutcliffe joined the board in 2009 following a career in international financial services and became chairman in December 2011. “It has been an honor to work with Dean Connor, his leadership team, and the talented employees at Sun Life over the past eight years. During my tenure I've watched Sun Life create tremendous momentum for the future across its four pillar strategy, and the company is well positioned to deliver value for clients and shareholders in the years ahead,” said Mr. Sutcliffe. “I've enjoyed working alongside my board colleagues and I'm pleased to be passing the baton to Bill. He is highly respected by the board as a natural team builder who will provide strong leadership, oversight, and continuity.”
Mr. Anderson is a corporate director with a background in business and finance. He was an executive in the BCE organization, including president of its BCE Ventures strategic investment unit and chief financial officer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada. He previously was a partner at accounting firm KPMG. Mr. Anderson is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
“It is a privilege to be selected by the board as incoming chairman and I look forward to helping contribute to the impressive legacy Sun Life has built over more than 150 years,” said Mr. Anderson. “On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our advance thanks to Jim for his many contributions to Sun Life's strategic direction and growth. He has played an instrumental role in guiding the board and the management team during a period of significant progress in the company.”
Learn more: www.sunlife.com.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].