Manulife US REIT appoints CEO and CFO

Manulife US Real Estate Management, the manager of Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust (Manulife US REIT), has announced John Casasante will be appointed to the dual role of CEO and CIO, subject to regulatory approval. In addition, Mushtaque Ali will be appointed as CFO.

Given the pending concurrent departures of the CEO and other executives as at end of June, the board chairman and the independent directors of Manulife US Real Estate Management have taken the opportunity to consider the executive skill set and experience needed for the Manulife US REIT to effectively execute on its Recapitalization Plan and to resume growth as markets improve.

Commenting on the appointments, Marc Feliciano, chairman and non-executive director, Manulife US Real Estate Management, said, "The board is pleased with both John and Mushtaque’s appointments and is confident that their combined experience will help return Manulife US REIT to growth as the U.S. propert