Sun Life 2015 Annual Report Download - page 5

James H. Sutcliffe
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Over the course of its rich history, Sun Life
has proven its ability to survive – and thrive –
through the toughest of operating environments.
Undoubtedly, our business strategy plays a key
role in this resiliency, but just as important is
the dedication and tenacity of our management
team and employees worldwide. Their hard work
and passion allow us to deliver on the promise
of helping our clients achieve lifetime financial
security, and the Board would like to thank them
for those extraordinary efforts.
On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank
our shareholders for their continued support.
We’re proud to work for you, and look forward
to continuing our momentum in 2016.
LOOKING AHEAD
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | SUN LIFE FINANCIAL INC. | 3
In 2016 we will continue to
improve our effectiveness,
including more time set aside
to discuss strategic issues,
increasing our focus on the
competitive environment
and client experience, and
maintaining a sharp focus
on talent management.
Our Board committees were very active this year.
The Management Resources Committee continued to act
on your behalf to challenge management to maintain a strong,
diverse pool of talented people that reflects our client base.
The Audit & Conduct Review Committee completed an external
audit tendering process, and at length recommended Sun Life
maintain our longstanding relationship with Deloitte LLP, who
have provided us with world-class service.
The Risk Review Committee spent time during the year to
better understand potential cyber security risks as well as
keeping a close eye on the impact of market and credit risks
in a volatile environment, marked not least by the dramatic
fall in oil prices. This in particular was carefully reviewed by
the Governance, Nomination and Investment Committee
(GNIC), to make sure that our real estate and other interests
in Alberta were suitably managed.
GNIC also manages our Board recruitment. Richard Booth
retired from our Board in 2015; he was a strong member who
brought his insurance background to bear, and we will miss his
many contributions. However, his departure was balanced by
the arrival of Scott F. Powers, a seasoned asset management
professional, who joined us in November. We thank Richard
for his service, and look forward to working with Scott in the
years to come.
In November, your Board was once again recognized for its
sound governance practices by The Globe and Mail Report on
Business’ annual Board Games, where we garnered a first-place
ranking. We’re very proud of this achievement, yet we know we
can do even more to help strengthen our oversight practices.