Global investment firm KKR has announced the appointment of Roy Gori, former Manulife president and CEO, as senior advisor focused on the Asia Pacific and other international markets.
In his new role, Gori will advise KKR on strategic opportunities across insurance, wealth management, banking, distribution and related financial services businesses, according to a statement.
Gori will work with KKR’s senior leadership and investment teams, providing strategic advice on market structure, regulatory environments, distribution models, partnerships, and growth opportunities across the financial services sector.
The appointment comes as KKR continues to deepen its presence in the global insurance sector through its insurance arm, Global Atlantic.
“Roy’s deep expertise in insurance, wealth management, and distribution will provide valuable strategic perspective as KKR continues to expand its global financial services platform and pursue new partnership and growth opportunities,” said Billy Butcher and Manu Sareen, co-CEOs of Global Atlantic.
Gori spent more than three decades in insurance, wealth management, and retail financial services across Asia Pacific and North America.
He served as Manulife’s president and CEO from 2017 until he retired in 2025, leading the insurer’s strategic transformation focused on digital innovation, customer experience, and growth.
Before becoming Manulife’s global CEO, Gori led the company’s Asia business, overseeing operations across 12 markets and driving its regional expansion.
The appointment comes as KKR’s latest Asia fund is set to receive $400 million in capital commitment from returning investor Washington State Investment Board (WSIB).
KKR Asia Fund V will target 20-30 investments across six key markets: Australia, Greater China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, focusing on mid- to large-cap opportunities in the region, according to a board paper in June.
KKR was previously reported to be raising its fifth Asia fund targeting $15 billion, a target that’s around the same size as EQT’s flagship Asia fund, which closed at $15.6 billion earlier this year.
The firm’s flagship Asia franchise has been actively signing deals this year, despite the ongoing macro volatility exacerbated by the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
