The Asia unit of Toronto-headquartered insurer Manulife has hired a former AXA executive as its chief communications officer.

Manulife Asia appoints Sabrina Cheung as chief communications officer, according to a statement. Based in Hong Kong, she reports to Manulife global chief communications officer Anne Hammer as well as Manulife Asia president and CEO Phil Witherington.

Cheung joins from AXA, Asia and Africa, where she was its chief brand and communications officer. Previously, she also held global and regional leadership communications roles at Cigna International Markets, adidas Group, the Coca-Cola Company and McCann WorldGroup.

«[Cheung’s] background across multiple disciplines, her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her experience across financial services and consumer product goods will help us think differently about the impact we can have with our communications for our Asia business and the significant growth potential it represents for our global company,» said Hammer.