Appoints Wilton Kee as Chief Executive Officer, Succeeding Patrick Graham
HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Hong Kong and Macau today announced strategic changes to its senior leadership team with Wilton Kee appointed to succeed Patrick Graham as Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Hong Kong and Macau, subject to regulatory approval. His appointment reflects Manulife's strong commitment to talent development, continuity of strategy, and long-term growth in Hong Kong and Macau, and forms part of the Company's succession planning to deliver on its refreshed enterprise strategy.
"Wilton's appointment underscores our continued focus on disciplined execution, a diversified business model, and our long-term commitment to customers in one of our largest markets in Asia," said Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia. "He brings deep and diversified expertise and strategic vision that will help to shape our continued success. Most recently in his dual role as Deputy CEO and CFO, Wilton has reinforced our market position, driven enterprise integration, strengthened management oversight, and advanced alignment on strategic and operational priorities. This appointment represents our confidence that he will continue to execute against our long-term growth priorities as CEO."
Mr. Kee joined Manulife in 2013 and has held a number of senior leadership roles across pricing, product, health and finance in Hong Kong and Macau. He previously served as Chief Product Officer and later assumed the additional role of Head of Health. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer, and in March 2026, took on additional responsibilities as Deputy CEO, contributing significantly to the company's strategic development and market leadership in both markets.
Wilton will succeed Patrick effective as of July 1, 2026.
About Manulife Hong Kong and Macau
Manulife Hong Kong has been a trusted name for more than 125 years, while we have served the Macau market for nearly three decades. Since our operations began in Asia in 1897, we have grown into one of the top-tier providers of financial services, offering a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to over 2.6 million customers in Hong Kong and Macau. We are committed to helping make decisions easier and lives better for our customers.
Manulife Hong Kong and Macau, through Manulife International Holdings Limited, owns Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited, and Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited. These entities are all subsidiaries of Manulife Financial Corporation.
About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.
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Manulife Hong Kong and Macau Announces CEO Succession
- Surpasses 1 billion streams on Spotify, marking a rare milestone for a character-driven global hit
- Averages around 400,000 daily Spotify streams worldwide, or nearly five plays every second
Download images here
SEOUL, South Korea, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pinkfong Company, the global entertainment company behind Baby Shark, today announced that "Baby Shark" has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, joining the platform's Billions Club and marking a major streaming milestone for the globally beloved song.
Spotify's Billions Club recognizes songs that have surpassed 1 billion streams on the platform, a milestone reached by tracks from some of the world's biggest recording artists. For "Baby Shark," the achievement stands out as a rare milestone for a character-driven global hit, underscoring the strength of Baby Shark as a global content franchise with lasting cultural relevance across markets, platforms and generations.
Over the past 12 months, "Baby Shark" generated 137 million streams, reached 23 million listeners and was added to playlists more than 1 million times on Spotify. On average, the song is streamed around 400,000 times per day worldwide, or nearly five times every second. The track's latest listening data also reflects its broad global appeal, with top markets spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Oceania, led by the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada.
"Baby Shark has grown from a viral sensation into a global cultural touchpoint, connecting with audiences across languages, markets and generations," said Minseok Kim, CEO of The Pinkfong Company. "Reaching 1 billion streams on Spotify is a meaningful milestone that reflects the song's lasting appeal and continued global listenership. We look forward to expanding Baby Shark through music, stories and experiences that bring joy to fans around the world."
"Baby Shark hitting 1 billion streams on Spotify is another landmark milestone for this magical song," said Shabs Jobanputra, Founder of Relentless Records. "We are very proud to be in partnership with Pinkfong and celebrate this moment."
First released in 2015, "Baby Shark" became a global phenomenon with its catchy melody, playful choreography and universal family appeal. The song has since built a record-breaking legacy across platforms, becoming the most-viewed video in YouTube history with more than 16 billion views, charting for 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and earning RIAA Diamond certification (11x Platinum) and BRIT Certified 5x Platinum. Baby Shark has also expanded into a global franchise spanning animated series, films, consumer products, live shows, and digital experiences.
About The Pinkfong Company
The Pinkfong Company is a global entertainment company that delivers content and entertaining experiences around the world. Driven by award-winning brands and IPs, the company has created and distributed a range of content across genres and formats including original animated series, world live tours, interactive games, and more. Believing in the power of entertaining and engaging content, The Pinkfong Company is committed to connecting people around the world and bringing joy and inspiration to worldwide audiences of all ages. For more information, please visit the website or follow the company on LinkedIn.
*Sony Music Entertainment UK's Relentless Records are Pinkfong's global music partner, alongside The Orchard who distribute the catalogue worldwide.
About Relentless Records
Relentless Records is one of the frontline labels at Sony Music Entertainment UK. Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.
About The Orchard:
The Orchard is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 50 cities worldwide. The Orchard's comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration, neighboring rights, and more. Championed by an exceptional community of music lovers and experts, The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com.
Media Contact
Hailey Kim
Communications Manager
The Pinkfong Company
hailey@pinkfong.com
Download images here
SEOUL, South Korea, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pinkfong Company, the global entertainment company behind Baby Shark, today announced that "Baby Shark" has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, joining the platform's Billions Club and marking a major streaming milestone for the globally beloved song.
Spotify's Billions Club recognizes songs that have surpassed 1 billion streams on the platform, a milestone reached by tracks from some of the world's biggest recording artists. For "Baby Shark," the achievement stands out as a rare milestone for a character-driven global hit, underscoring the strength of Baby Shark as a global content franchise with lasting cultural relevance across markets, platforms and generations.
Over the past 12 months, "Baby Shark" generated 137 million streams, reached 23 million listeners and was added to playlists more than 1 million times on Spotify. On average, the song is streamed around 400,000 times per day worldwide, or nearly five times every second. The track's latest listening data also reflects its broad global appeal, with top markets spanning North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Oceania, led by the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada.
"Baby Shark has grown from a viral sensation into a global cultural touchpoint, connecting with audiences across languages, markets and generations," said Minseok Kim, CEO of The Pinkfong Company. "Reaching 1 billion streams on Spotify is a meaningful milestone that reflects the song's lasting appeal and continued global listenership. We look forward to expanding Baby Shark through music, stories and experiences that bring joy to fans around the world."
"Baby Shark hitting 1 billion streams on Spotify is another landmark milestone for this magical song," said Shabs Jobanputra, Founder of Relentless Records. "We are very proud to be in partnership with Pinkfong and celebrate this moment."
First released in 2015, "Baby Shark" became a global phenomenon with its catchy melody, playful choreography and universal family appeal. The song has since built a record-breaking legacy across platforms, becoming the most-viewed video in YouTube history with more than 16 billion views, charting for 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and earning RIAA Diamond certification (11x Platinum) and BRIT Certified 5x Platinum. Baby Shark has also expanded into a global franchise spanning animated series, films, consumer products, live shows, and digital experiences.
About The Pinkfong Company
The Pinkfong Company is a global entertainment company that delivers content and entertaining experiences around the world. Driven by award-winning brands and IPs, the company has created and distributed a range of content across genres and formats including original animated series, world live tours, interactive games, and more. Believing in the power of entertaining and engaging content, The Pinkfong Company is committed to connecting people around the world and bringing joy and inspiration to worldwide audiences of all ages. For more information, please visit the website or follow the company on LinkedIn.
*Sony Music Entertainment UK's Relentless Records are Pinkfong's global music partner, alongside The Orchard who distribute the catalogue worldwide.
About Relentless Records
Relentless Records is one of the frontline labels at Sony Music Entertainment UK. Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.
About The Orchard:
The Orchard is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 50 cities worldwide. The Orchard's comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration, neighboring rights, and more. Championed by an exceptional community of music lovers and experts, The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com.
Media Contact
Hailey Kim
Communications Manager
The Pinkfong Company
hailey@pinkfong.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Pinkfong's "Baby Shark" Swims Into Spotify's Billions Club
