John Hancock Seeks Shareholder Approval for Five Trustee Elections

John Hancock Investment Trust DEF 14A Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyJohn Hancock Investment Trust
Form TypeDEF 14A
Filed DateSep 15, 2025
Risk Levellow
Pages15
Reading Time18 min
Sentimentneutral

Sentiment: neutral

Topics: Trustee Election, Corporate Governance, Investment Funds, Proxy Statement, Shareholder Meeting, John Hancock, Fund Management

TL;DR

**Vote FOR the trustee elections; it's a routine governance move that solidifies the board and won't rock the boat on your investments.**

AI Summary

John Hancock Investment Trust (JHIT) is soliciting shareholder votes for the election of five trustees to its Board of Trustees at a Special Joint Meeting on November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, in Boston, Massachusetts. The proposal is a routine item concerning the election of trustees and is not expected to materially affect the funds' investment objectives or management. The Board currently comprises 12 trustees, including 10 independent and 2 non-independent trustees. The filing proposes the election of two new independent trustees, Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan, and three current trustees who were previously appointed: Kristie M. Feinberg (Non-Independent), William K. Bacic (Independent), and Thomas R. Wright (Independent). If all five nominees are elected, the Board will expand to 14 trustees, consisting of 12 independent and 2 non-independent members, ensuring all trustees are shareholder-elected. This move aims to provide flexibility for the Board to appoint future trustees without immediate shareholder votes, unless the number of elected trustees falls below two-thirds of the total. The Board unanimously recommends a 'FOR' vote for all nominees.

Why It Matters

This DEF 14A filing is crucial for John Hancock Investment Trust shareholders as it directly impacts the governance and oversight of their investments. The election of five trustees, including two new independent members, could bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the Board, potentially enhancing strategic decision-making and investor protection. For employees, a stable and well-governed trust ensures continued operational clarity. In the competitive asset management landscape, strong governance, as demonstrated by a fully shareholder-elected board, can bolster investor confidence and differentiate John Hancock from rivals like Fidelity or Vanguard, who also emphasize robust oversight.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — The risk level is low because the proposal is explicitly described as a 'routine item' concerning the election of trustees, which 'makes no fundamental or material changes to a fund's investment objectives, policies, or restrictions, or to the investment management contract.' The filing also states it is 'not expected to have any material effect on the manner in which any fund is managed or on its current investment objective.'

Analyst Insight

Investors should vote 'FOR' the election of the five trustees as recommended by the Board. This action supports the trust's governance structure and ensures all trustees are shareholder-elected, a positive step for oversight without altering investment strategy.

Key Numbers

  • 5 — Number of Trustees to be elected (Includes two new nominees and three previously appointed trustees)
  • 12 — Current number of Trustees (Comprises 10 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees)
  • 14 — Total Trustees if elected (Will comprise 12 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees)
  • 95 — Number of investment portfolios (Funds) (Across the 12 Trusts as of the Record Date)
  • 2025-11-12 — Date of Special Joint Meeting (Shareholders will vote on trustee elections)
  • 2025-08-27 — Record Date for voting eligibility (Shareholders of record on this date can vote)

Key Players & Entities

  • JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST (company) — Registrant and investment trust
  • Kristie M. Feinberg (person) — President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, Head of Retail, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, and Non-Independent Trustee nominee
  • William K. Bacic (person) — Independent Trustee nominee, appointed August 1, 2024
  • Thomas R. Wright (person) — Independent Trustee nominee, appointed August 1, 2024
  • Christine L. Hurtsellers (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
  • Kenneth J. Phelan (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
  • Manulife Financial Corporation (company) — Ultimate parent entity of JHIM and the Distributor
  • John Hancock Investment Management LLC (company) — Investment Advisor and Administrator for each Trust and Fund
  • John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (company) — Distributor for each Fund
  • SEC (regulator) — Securities and Exchange Commission

FAQ

What is the purpose of the John Hancock Investment Trust Special Joint Meeting on November 12, 2025?

The Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders for John Hancock Investment Trust, scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, is being held to vote on the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees. This is considered a routine item and is not expected to change the funds' investment objectives or management.

Who are the new trustee nominees for John Hancock Investment Trust?

The John Hancock Investment Trust is presenting two new independent trustee nominees for election: Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan. If elected, they will join the Board as Independent Trustees.

How many trustees will be on the John Hancock Investment Trust Board if the proposal passes?

If the proposal for the election of five trustees is approved by shareholders, the John Hancock Investment Trust Board will comprise 14 trustees. This will include 12 Independent Trustees and 2 Non-Independent Trustees.

What is the Board's recommendation regarding the trustee elections for John Hancock Investment Trust?

The Board of Trustees of John Hancock Investment Trust has unanimously approved the proposal for the election of five trustees and strongly recommends that shareholders vote 'FOR' its approval.

Will the election of trustees materially change John Hancock Investment Trust's investment strategy?

No, the election of trustees for John Hancock Investment Trust is explicitly stated as a routine item that is not expected to have any material effect on the manner in which any fund is managed or on its current investment objective, nor is it related to the current state of the financial markets.

When is the record date for voting at the John Hancock Investment Trust meeting?

The record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the John Hancock Investment Trust Special Joint Meeting is August 27, 2025. All shareholders of record at the close of business on this date are entitled to one vote for each share held.

How can John Hancock Investment Trust shareholders vote?

John Hancock Investment Trust shareholders can vote by proxy in three ways: online at www.proxyvotenow.com/jhfunds2025, by phone at 855-995-1705, or by returning the enclosed proxy card(s) via mail.

Who is the President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments?

Kristie M. Feinberg is the President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments and also serves as the Head of Retail for Manulife Wealth & Asset Management. She is also a Non-Independent Trustee nominee for the John Hancock Investment Trust.

What is the significance of all John Hancock Investment Trust trustees being shareholder-elected?

If all five nominated trustees are elected, all 14 trustees on the John Hancock Investment Trust Board will have been elected by shareholders. This allows the Board to appoint additional trustees to fill future vacancies without requiring a shareholder vote until the number of elected trustees drops below two-thirds of all trustees, streamlining future governance.

Where can I find the proxy statement for the John Hancock Investment Trust meeting?

The proxy statement for the John Hancock Investment Trust shareholder meeting on November 12, 2025, is available online at https://www.jhinvestments.com/resources/all-resources/fund-documents/proxy-documents/john-hancock-election-of-trustees-proxy-statement.

Industry Context

The investment trust industry is highly regulated, with a focus on corporate governance and shareholder rights. Key trends include increasing demand for transparent fee structures and independent oversight of fund management. Asset managers are continuously adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes and investor expectations for ethical and effective fund governance.

Regulatory Implications

The election of trustees is a fundamental aspect of corporate governance for investment trusts, directly impacting oversight and compliance. Ensuring a sufficient number of independent trustees is a regulatory requirement and a key indicator of good governance, aimed at protecting shareholder interests.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Vote on the election of five trustees.
  2. Review the proxy statement thoroughly.
  3. Vote promptly via online, phone, or mail.

Key Dates

  • 2025-11-12: Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees.
  • 2025-09-15: Mailing of Proxy Statement — Shareholders receive information regarding the upcoming meeting and proposal.
  • 2025-08-27: Record Date — Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote at the meeting.

Glossary

DEF 14A
A filing required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for companies that are soliciting shareholder proxies. (This document is the proxy statement for John Hancock Investment Trust, detailing the proposal for shareholder vote.)
Proxy Statement
A document that the SEC requires companies to provide to shareholders before a shareholder meeting, containing information about the matters to be voted on. (This document outlines the proposal for the election of trustees and provides details for shareholders to make an informed voting decision.)
Board of Trustees
The governing body of the investment trust, responsible for overseeing the trust's operations and management. (The election of trustees is the primary purpose of this shareholder meeting.)
Independent Trustee
A trustee who is not an employee of the investment company or its affiliates and has no other relationship with the company that could impair their independent judgment. (The filing specifies the number of independent trustees, which is a key governance metric.)
Non-Independent Trustee
A trustee who is an employee of the investment company or its affiliates, or has other relationships that could affect their independence. (The filing specifies the number of non-independent trustees, which is a key governance metric.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is a proxy statement for a special joint meeting focused on trustee elections, not an annual report. Therefore, direct year-over-year comparisons of financial metrics like revenue or net income are not applicable. The primary focus is on governance changes, specifically the proposed expansion of the Board of Trustees from 12 to 14 members, with an increase in independent trustees from 10 to 12.

Filing Stats: 4,475 words · 18 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 13.9 · Accepted 2025-09-15 13:00:54

Filing Documents

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings 31 Required Vote 31 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 32 Shareholders and Voting Information 39 Other Matters 42 Appendix A - John Hancock Funds Procedures for the Selection of Independent Trustees A-1 Appendix B - Outstanding Shares and Share Ownership B-1 Exhibit A - Procedures for the Selection of New Independent Trustees C-1 1 Table of Contents JOHN HANCOCK BOND TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES JOHN HANCOCK COLLATERAL TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CURRENT INTEREST JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS II JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS III JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST II JOHN HANCOCK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES TRUST JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND JOHN HANCOCK STRATEGIC SERIES (each, a "Trust" and collectively, the "Trusts") 200 Berkeley Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 PROXY STATEMENT SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Introduction This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") of each Trust of proxies to be used at a Special Joint Meeting of shareholders of the Trusts (the "Meeting") to be held on November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM Easter n Tim e, at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), the Board has designated August 27, 2025 as the record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Meeting (the "Record Date"). All shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share of beneficial interest of Funds held. This Proxy Statement is first being sent to shareholders on or about September 22, 2025. Each Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The shares of each of the

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