Manulife John Hancock Retirement Taps Midwest Sales VP

Manulife John Hancock Retirement has appointed Bridgette Rutter as divisional vice president of Midwest sales, following the retirement of divisional vice president Ray Hestreet.

In this role, Rutter will lead sales and relationship development efforts with financial representatives and plan consultants serving the firm’s core market segment. 

Rutter brings more than 20 years of experience at Manulife John Hancock Retirement and will report to Gary Tankersley, head of Core Segment. She began her career with the firm as a sales associate and advanced through progressively senior roles, most recently serving as senior regional vice president in the Greater Chicago area. Tom Lyman, currently serving Manulife John Hancock Retirement in New York City, was promoted to fill Rutter’s regional vice president role in Greater Chicago.

“Bridgette’s leadership, client focus, and results-driven approach have already made a significant impact, and I look forward to seeing her success in this expanded role,” said Tankersley. “We are fortunate to have her leading our Midwest sales organization.”

Rutter succeeds Stephen Davis, who has been appointed divisional vice president, Northeast sales. Davis joined Manulife John Hancock Retirement in 2015 and succeeds Hemstreet, whose retirement was announced last year.

“With these changes, we are confident in our ability to support financial professionals, grow our business and ultimately help more Americans save for retirement,” said Tankersley.

On Hemstreet’s retirement, Tankersly added, “With more than 30 years in our retirement organization, we cannot overstate the impact Ray has had on our business, clients and colleagues and are grateful for his leadership and mentorship and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.”