Sun Life Philippines welcomes new board members to further strengthen leadership

MANILA, PH – (January 21, 2026) - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF)

Sun Life Philippines, the No. 1 life insurance company in the country based on total premium income, recently announced the appointment of two distinguished executives to its Board of Directors. 

Joining the Board is Eric Ramon O. Recto, a former Finance Undersecretary and an Administrator who has held leadership roles across six of the country’s leading finance companies in various sectors and industries. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Alphaland Corporation  and Atok-Big Wedge Co., Inc. In addition, he holds Chairman of the Board roles in several companies, such as Philippine Bank of Communications and Bedfordbury Development Corporation, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic leadership.

Also elected to the Board is Marie Grace T. Vera Cruz, a trailblazer in the Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) industry and the CEO of Grab Philippines. Vera Cruz has won multiple leadership accolades, including Business Leader of the Year at Campaign Magazine’s Women Leading Change Awards Asia-Pacific, and was one of People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric and Grace to our Board of Directors,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “Their diverse backgrounds and forward-thinking perspectives will strengthen our leadership team and help guide Sun Life towards continued growth and success.”

Meanwhile, Sun Life has also appointed Benjamin Bin Deng as the new Chairman of the Board of its trust business, Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Sun Life Investment Management). Deng is the President of Asia Asset Management at Sun Life, and Chairman of the Board of Sun Life Investment Management Asia Ltd. and Sun Life Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd. His appointment underscores Sun Life’s commitment to strengthening its investment management capabilities and delivering trusted solutions to Clients across the region.

Francisco “Paco” S.A. Sandejas likewise joins Sun Life Investment Management as one of its Independent Directors. Sandejas, a seasoned venture capitalist, brings an impressive track record to the role. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xepto Digital Education; Founder and Chairman of Starpoint Technologies; Founding Managing Partner of Narra Venture Capital; and an Independent Board Director of Makati Medical Center.

Recto and Vera Cruz were elected last June 4, 2025 while Deng and Sandejas were elected last year on June 23 and July 25 respectively.  

For over 130 years, Sun Life has been a trusted partner in helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. With these new appointments, Sun Life reaffirms its dedication to empowering individuals and families on their journey towards a brighter future.

For more information about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following Sun Life Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.