Manulife Names CEO Designate for India Insurance JV
Canadian insurer Manulife has announced the appointment of a chief executive officer designate for its proposed India joint venture with Mumbai-based Mahindra.
Manulife has appointed Suresh Agarwal as managing director and CEO designate of its proposed life insurance joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra, according to a statement, subject to regulatory approvals. He has been part of the Mahindra Group as managing director and CEO of Mahindra Insurance Brokers Limited since September 2025 and he will step down on April 30 and take on the new role from May 1.
Agarwal has nearly 30 years of experience in life and general insurance, corporate, and retail lending. Prior to joining Mahindra, he spent a significant part of his career establishing and expanding Kotak‘s life insurance business, followed by a stint at Kotak General Insurance, where he led the transition to form a joint venture with Zurich Insurance.
«India represents one of the most compelling long‑term opportunities in global life insurance, and we’ve been intentional in choosing the right moment – and the right partner – for our entry,» said Harshal Shah, chief marketing officer, Asia, Manulife, who also serves as the principal officer of the insurance JV. «Together with Mahindra, we aim to become the number one choice for customers by being digital‑first, focused on their needs, and tailoring solutions to diverse protection priorities.»
An agreement to form a 50/50 joint venture between the two firms was first announced in November 2025.
