Manulife Wealth names Lior Valitsky COO amid leadership shake-up and record Q2 results
“As our business continues to grow and evolve, investing in strong leadership remains a priority,” said Marchand. “Lior’s experience, perspective, and passion for the advisor business will be invaluable as we continue enhancing the experience we deliver to advisors and clients.”
A broader leadership realignment
The appointment is part of a wider restructuring of Manulife Wealth’s senior leadership team. Farhan Hamidani, previously serving in a broader growth mandate, will now direct his full focus toward helping advisors grow their businesses, prepare for succession, and meet their long-term goals — a shift that underscores the firm’s intensifying commitment to the advisor channel.
Julie Seberras, Head of Wealth Planning Solutions, will concentrate exclusively on advancing Manulife Wealth’s planning capabilities, with a particular emphasis on integrating longevity planning into the advisor and client experience. The move reflects a broader industry-wide recognition that Canadian clients are living longer and require more holistic financial guidance beyond traditional investment management.
Justin Stiebel, meanwhile, takes on the newly defined role of Head of Advisor Engagement & Growth, leading initiatives in advisor attraction, onboarding, development, succession planning, and practice growth — areas that have become central to how major wealth firms compete for talent and client assets in a tightening market for experienced advisors.
Record quarter adds momentum
The leadership announcements come alongside the release of Manulife’s second-quarter 2026 earnings, which showed Manulife Wealth & Asset Management (Manulife WAM) delivering its strongest gross flows quarter on record.
