John Hancock Financial Services, the Boston-based unit of Canadian asset manager Manulife Financial Corporation, has named John Vrysen as president of its annuities business with immediate effect.

Vrysen has served as head of strategic initiatives for the company since 2008. In his 34-year career with Manulife and John Hancock, he has held a number of positions, including as chief actuary for variable annuities, chief financial officer for US operations, chief operations officer for Wood Logan, general manager for fixed annuities and chief operating officer for John Hancock Funds. He is presently a director and trustee on the boards of John Hancock Life Insurance and John Hancock Funds. 

The annuities business covers fixed and variable annuities, immediate annuities, structured settlements and institutional fixed products. Vrysen replaces Marc Constantini, who has take on the responsibility for strategic initiatives. He reports directly to Hugh McHaffe, president for US wealth management. 

John Hancock Financial operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and most of Asia and as John Hancock in the US. The company and its subsidiaries records around C$492 billion ($473 billion) in funds under management as of 30 September 2011.