Hong Kong (July 22, 2026) – Sun Life today announced the appointment of Lee Sarkin as Vice President, Data and AI, Asia, effective September 1. Based in Hong Kong, Lee will lead Sun Life Asia’s Data and AI function and drive the rollout of priority AI initiatives across the region.

In this role, Lee will help accelerate how Sun Life applies data and artificial intelligence. His focus will be on scaling practical use cases that improve decision-making, increase productivity and deliver faster, simpler and more consistent experiences for Clients and advisors

DJ de Villiers, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Asia, said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Lee to Sun Life. He joins us at an exciting time as we continue to scale our data and AI capabilities across Asia. Lee brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business leadership and hands-on experience delivering AI solutions at scale.

“Data and AI are critical to how we grow our business, strengthen decision-making and create better experiences for Clients and advisors. Lee will play a key role in helping us accelerate this agenda and ensure we continue to innovate responsibly, always with the needs of our Clients at the centre of what we do,” said DJ.

Lee will also oversee the development of the data, platforms and governance needed to support safe and consistent adoption of AI across markets. This includes strengthening how data is used in day-to-day decision-making and embedding AI into core business processes.

Lee Sarkin said, “AI is transforming the future of financial services, and with the emergence of agentic AI we have an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine how we serve Clients, support advisors and empower our people.

“I'm excited to join Sun Life and build on its long heritage of serving Clients across Asia and globally by harnessing these capabilities responsibly, combining cutting-edge AI with human judgement, empathy and trust to deliver more personalised experiences, better decisions and outcomes that help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives,” said Lee.

Lee brings more than 20 years of experience in data, analytics, AI and actuarial across life and health primary insurance and reinsurance. He joins Sun Life from Munich Re Life & Health, where he was Regional Chief Analytics Officer, responsible for AI and analytics in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Anand Bansal, Asia Head of Data Transformation and Yannick Even, Asia Head of AI will be reporting to Lee in his new role.

This appointment reflects Sun Life’s continued focus on strengthening its data and AI capabilities in Asia and applying them in ways that support growth, improve efficiency and enhance Client and advisor experiences.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.58 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

Media Relations Contact: 

Adam Welch

Director, Communications, Asia

T: +85290711821  

adam.welch@sunlife.com