HONG KONG — Manulife Asia has consolidated communications leadership under David Norris, who previously headed the insurance giant's internal communications function in the region.

Norris' elevation comes as former external comms head Christine Burrows moves into a new role as senior director of strategy and business performance at Manulife Asia.

Since joining Manulife Asia in 2011, Norris has focused on leadership and internal communications. His new role includes overall responsibility for Asia-wide internal and external communications and events, reporting to Manulife Asia chief marketing and experience design officer Francesco Laguitaine.

Norris told the Holmes Report that he is currently recruiting a new hire to support his leadership of the communications function, which includes such major areas as Asia CEO communications, the company's Asia leadership conference and reputation management.

Prior to joining Manulife, Norris spent eight years as a policy advisor in the UK government.