Brennan Kennedy Takes the Helm as Chief Actuary at Sun Life Financial

Sun Life's New Chief Actuary: Brennan Kennedy

In a significant leadership shift, Sun Life Financial Inc. has appointed Brennan Kennedy as its new Senior Vice-President and Chief Actuary, effective October 4, 2025. Kennedy, who has been with the organization since 1998, is currently serving as the Senior Vice-President of Global Asset Liability Management. This latest role marks an important chapter as he aims to enhance Sun Life's actuarial functions with an emphasis on talent development and innovative technology solutions.

Background of the New Appointment

Brennan Kennedy comes with a wealth of experience, having spent over 26 years at Sun Life. His extensive background includes various senior positions across Actuarial, Risk Management, Finance, and Asset Liability Management. This broad expertise positions him perfectly to lead the actuarial sector of the company, ensuring that they remain ahead of industry trends and meet regulatory compliance.

Tom Murphy, Sun Life’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, expressed enthusiasm about Kennedy's new role, stating, "I'm thrilled to have Brennan step into this critical role. I’m confident his leadership will continue to drive success for Sun Life." Murphy highlighted that Kennedy’s insightful and forward-thinking approach is vital in bolstering Sun Life’s growth as the industry evolves.

Transition and Legacy of Kevin Morrissey

Kennedy succeeds Kevin Morrissey, who is set to retire after a distinguished 37-year career with Sun Life. Morrisey's contributions spanned multiple leadership roles, and he has served as the Chief Actuary since 2016. His rich career trajectory began in 1988 and included significant positions in Finance, Risk Management, and Actuarial domains.

Upon Morrissey’s retirement on October 3, 2025, he will aid Kennedy’s onboarding process into the chief position, ensuring a smooth transition. Murphy recognized Morrissey's pivotal role in guiding the organization through various economic challenges, emphasizing his importance in maintaining Sun Life's resilience and female leadership.

Looking Forward with Sun Life Financial

Brennan Kennedy's appointment comes at a time when Sun Life is looking to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics. His plans include collaborating closely with different business groups and corporate functions to implement actuarial best practices for valuation, reporting, product development, and pricing. This approach is aimed at ensuring Sun Life meets both regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and is a Fellow of both the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries. His academic credentials and extensive industry experience pave the way for a fruitful leadership tenure.

Sun Life Financial, which operates in various markets worldwide, provides a range of financial services including asset management, wealth solutions, and insurance. As of March 31, 2025, the company reported total assets under management of $1.55 trillion, reaffirming its strong position in the financial services sector.

As the company steps into this new phase under Kennedy’s leadership, it is poised to continue its commitment to innovation and exceptional client service, all while building on the robust foundations laid by his predecessors.

For more insight into Sun Life’s offerings, visit sunlife.com.