Retirement Industry People Moves

Abigail Benham Becomes Manulife John Hancock’s Head of Retirement Participant Outcomes

Abigail Benham

Manulife John Hancock hired Abigail Benham as head of retirement participant outcomes, effective October 5, a spokesperson for the firm wrote in an email. Benham reports to CEO Wayne Park.

In her newly created role, Benham is responsible for increasing participant engagement, financial wellness and retirement readiness across Manulife John Hancock’s retirement business.

Joe Smith, previously the firm’s southeastern U.S. divisional sales vice president, succeeded Benham in her former role as head of strategic partnerships.

The Hartford Announces Leadership Transitions

The Hartford Insurance Group Inc. announced expanded roles for two executives and appointed a new chief risk officer in anticipation of departures from the company at the end of 2026. The new roles take effect on November 2.

Shekar Pannala

The data and artificial intelligence division will be combined with the technology organization under Shekar Pannala, who has served as chief information officer since March 2025. Jeffery Hawkins, current chief data, AI and operations officer, will leave the company at the end of the year.

Stephen Deane

Stephen Deane, chief claims officer, will oversee the firm’s operations division in addition to his current role as head of claims.

James Yanosy

James Yanosy, who has served as the Hartford’s chief financial officer for business insurance, employee benefits, claims and centralized services since 2019, will become chief risk officer. Prateek Chhabra, the current chief risk officer, will leave the company at the end of the year.

SEI Appoints Kristie Edling-Day as Chief Information Officer

Kristie Edling-Day

SEI Investments Co. appointed Kristie Edling-Day as chief information officer, reporting to CEO Ryan Hicke. Edling-Day will lead SEI’s technology and product organization.

Edling-Day brings more than 20 years of experience in technology, product and strategy leadership, spanning financial services, wealth management, enterprise transformation and emerging technologies. Most recently, she served as executive vice president and chief information officer for adviser technology and enterprise product operations at LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Earlier in her career, she spent 17 years at Vanguard, serving in several senior leadership roles.