John Hancock Investments Names Matt Blandford as Divisional Sales Manager for the Regional/Financial Institutions Channel

BOSTON, July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Investments said that it has promoted Matt Blandford, CRPC®, to the position of Divisional Sales Manager for the Regional/Financial Institutions Channel, assuming responsibility for distribution within Edward Jones and major banks. Mr. Blandford, who has been with John Hancock since 2008 as a Regional Business Consultant/ External Wholesaler in Louisville, Kentucky, reports to Darren Smith, Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager. The appointment was effective July 1.

"Matt brings a wealth of distribution experience and a history of success in all channels, and we are confident he will be a great benefit to our team as we continue to aggressively expand our reach and penetration in the regional financial institutions channel," said Mr. Smith.

Prior to joining John Hancock, where he has been named to the President's Club, Mr. Blandford was with Principal Funds as a regional vice president and external wholesaler. He has also held wholesaling positions with Jackson National and Nationwide. He graduated from the University of Kentucky.

Mr. Blandford replaces Andy McFetridge who was promoted to the role of National Sales Manager of the Wirehouse channel for John Hancock.

About John Hancock Investments
John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. We combine unbiased asset management with vigorous investment oversight to offer investors a deeper level of diversification and strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $117 billion in assets as of March 31, 2014, across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$635 billion (US$574 billion) as at March 31, 2014. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments,  401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock Investments