2009 News Releases

BOSTON, December 17, 2009 – John Hancock Retirement Plan Services (JHRPS) was recognized for communications excellence by the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) winning five platinum, seven gold, four silver and two bronze awards.

Multi-media, print and web communications were all honored. The communications focused on a wide range of audiences including 401(k) participants, plan sponsors, financial representatives, third party administrators and internal audiences.

Commented one LACP judge, “The first impression presented by this project is superb while the narrative and visual design are both state-of-the-art.”   “Overall, we find this work to be remarkable in light of tremendous competition,” said Christine Kennedy, LACP Managing Director.  “More than 1000 entries were received for the 2009 Spotlight Awards, comprising communications materials from more than a dozen countries.”

“We strive to develop innovative and excellent marketing materials that impact our business in a direct and positive way,” says Andrew Ross, Senior Vice President of JHRPS Marketing. “Having our work recognized among that of such a large group of well-respected companies, is an important validation from professionals in our field.”

League of American Communications Professionals:

The League of American Communications Professionals LLC (LACP) was established in 2001 in order to create a forum within the public relations industry that facilitates discussion of best-in-class practices within the profession while also recognizing those who demonstrate exemplary communications capabilities. For further information please go to www.lacp.com.

About John Hancock Retirement Plan Services

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services is the largest provider of 401(k) plans across all plan sizes among banks, mutual funds and insurers, according to CFO Magazine. (CFO Magazine 2009 401(k) Providers Survey, for year-end 2008. Published in May 2009).

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners.  Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$436.5 billion (US$407.1 billion) as at September 30, 2009. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Berczuk
Phone: (617) 663-4750
E-mail: mberczuk@jhancock.com