Metrobank taps ex-Sun Life chief Benedict Sison as independent director

Benedict Sison

Metrobank independent director 

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. has elected former Sun Life Philippines chief executive Benedict Sison as its newest independent director, adding one of the country’s most prominent insurance executives to the Ty-led lender’s board.

Sison replaces Jose Vicente Alde, who is stepping down after four years but will remain within the Metrobank Group as president of Philippine Savings Bank.

The appointment gives Metrobank a fifth independent director as the bank continues to strengthen corporate governance amid tighter regulatory scrutiny across the financial sector.

Sison retired earlier this year as CEO and country head of Sun Life Philippines after helping keep the insurer on top of the local life insurance industry with over 6.2 million clients and more than 22,000 advisors nationwide.

During his tenure, Sun Life expanded into investment management, rolled out new client products and deepened its push into financial inclusion and community programs.

He was succeeded by Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno last April, while remaining as strategic adviser and chairman of Sun Life Philippines Holding Co. and the Sun Life Foundation until the end of 2026.

—Edited by Miguel R. Camus