Veteran Sun Life Financial International employee Merrilyn Johnson has been promoted to head of international life distribution.

Ms Johnson, who has worked at the Hamilton-based firm, which serves wealthy clients around the world, for 14 years, moves to her new role from a position as director of international life insurance distribution.

Niall O’Hare, vice-president and chief financial officer of SLFI, said: “In her 14 years with the company, Merrilyn has been an integral part of the Sun Life Financial International team, working in many different roles across the life organisation.

“Her experience provides distributors with a truly holistic understanding of international life insurance for high net worth families and businesses.”

Edward Betteto, managing director, life, added: “Her knowledge of global regulations and ownership structures combined with deep intimacy with brokers makes her uniquely qualified to help us to grow our business in this area.”

Before joining Sun Life, Ms Johnson worked in relationship management and sales roles with major global technology companies.