Outgoing leader shifts to an advisory role after 44 years, keeping his board and committee seats
Manion has appointed Ron Smitko as president, effective June 15, with Mike Neheli moving into a newly focused role as executive advisor to the president.
The change forms part of a long-term succession plan the firm developed over several years, according to Manion's announcement, which said the plan was guided by strategic goals set in 2023.
Smitko takes the role after serving as vice president of client experience and development and as a member of Manion's executive team.
He joined the firm in 2016 and was appointed to Manion's board of directors earlier in 2026.
Neheli said Smitko has long been identified as his successor and has spent years preparing for the role.
He said Smitko's client work, industry knowledge, and standing with the team position him to lead Manion.
A graduate of Brown University with dual majors in economics and organizational behaviour management, Smitko brings nearly 30 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry.
He spent two decades with one of Canada's largest group insurers before joining the firm, holding progressively senior positions across sales and management, and has worked with both multi-employer trust funds and corporate clients.
Neheli steps back after 44 years with Manion, including 18 as president.
He joined the firm in 1982 after earning a business administration degree specializing in personnel management and industrial relations, became a partner and vice president in 1997, and was appointed president in 2008.
In the advisory role, Neheli remains a member of Manion's board of directors and executive committee, the firm said.
He will continue to support the client experience and development department and maintain direct relationships with many of the firm's multi-employer trust fund clients.
Neheli is a past chair and current member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans' Canadian board and its Canadian strategic and program planning committee.
He served on the Financial Services Commission of Ontario multi-employer pension plan advisory committee and sits on the Financial Services Regulatory Authority technical advisory committee for multi-employer pension plans.
Manion, which administers pension, ELHT, and health and welfare trust funds, said the transition will not change the service clients receive, with Smitko continuing to take an active role in client relationships.
