The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Nov. 6, edition that Sun Life Financial's profits surpassed $1-billion in the third quarter, driven by strong group health and insurance sales in North America. The Globe's Clare O'Hara writes that Sun Life's adjusted net income reached $1.01-billion, or $1.76 per share, up from $930-million, or $1.50, in the same period last year (all figures Canadian unless otherwise stated). Analysts had anticipated earnings of $1.70 per share. Chief executive officer Kevin Strain said part of the success of the quarter was because of stronger earnings in their group benefit businesses in both Canada and the United States, which account for 31 per cent of underlying earnings and were up 21 per cent year-over-year. Earnings from Sun Life's entire Canadian operations rose 11 per cent to $375-million in the quarter, which includes a boost from higher mutual fund sales in the region's wealth and asset management division. In the United States, Sun Life reported underlying net income of $161-million (U.S.), up $21-million (U.S.) from the prior year. During the quarter Jessica Tan was appointed president of Sun Life Canada, replacing Jacques Goulet, who became executive chair.