BPI AIA names banking, insurance veteran Melissa Henson as CEO

Insider Spotlight

• BPI AIA has appointed Melissa Henson as CEO, putting a banking and insurance veteran at the helm of the bancassurance company
• Henson brings nearly two decades of industry experience, including customer strategy, partnerships and marketing
• Her mandate includes sustainable growth, deeper customer relationships and stronger positioning in the Philippine bancassurance market
  
  
  
  

BPI AIA Life Assurance Corp. has appointed Melissa Henson as its new CEO, tapping an executive with nearly two decades of banking and insurance experience to lead the company's next phase of growth.

The bancassurance partnership between Bank of the Philippine Islands and AIA Philippines said Henson will oversee its overall business strategy and operations while strengthening customer relationships and pursuing sustainable growth.

Why it matters

Henson takes the top post after serving as AIA Philippines chief marketing officer since 2023. In that role, she transformed customer engagement and marketing capabilities while advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the brand and supporting business growth.

She also pushed product innovation and faster speed to market, alongside customer acquisition and cross-selling programs designed to improve distribution effectiveness.

What they’re saying

“Melissa is a proven leader with a strong record of driving growth through customer-focused innovation and strategic partnerships. Her deep understanding of both the insurance and banking sectors, combined with her ability to build high-performing teams and trusted partnerships, positions her well to lead BPI AIA into its next stage of growth,” AIA Group regional chief executive and group chief distribution officer and BPI AIA Life Assurance Corp. chair Jacky Chan said in a press statement.

“I am confident she will continue creating value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders as we advance our purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives," Chan added.

Henson, meanwhile, signaled that product innovation and customer value will remain priorities as the company builds on the longstanding partnership between BPI and AIA Philippines.

What’s next

“I am thrilled to lead BPI AIA at this exciting point in our journey. I am grateful for the continued trust and support of BPI and AIA Philippines, whose longstanding partnership has been the foundation of our success. Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on delivering innovative solutions, creating greater value for customers and strengthening our position as one of the Philippines’ leading bancassurance companies,” Henson said.

BPI AIA operates through BPI's nationwide banking network, with trained sales executives providing financial advisory services in branches and remotely through digital tools. Its parent AIA Philippines and BPI AIA recorded combined total premium income of P34.32 billion as of end-2025. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma