Hennie Nel Takes Helm as SanlamAllianz new CEO

SanlamAllianz has announced the appointment of Hennie Nel as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for one of Africa’s largest pan-African insurance groups. Nel will officially assume the role on September 1, 2026, succeeding Heinie Werth, who is set to retire after spearheading the company’s growth since its establishment in 2023.

Werth will remain with the business until December 31, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition and support the continuity of SanlamAllianz’s long-term growth strategy across the continent.

Heinie Werth to Retire After Building SanlamAllianz

Heinie Werth has played a pivotal role in shaping SanlamAllianz into a major player in Africa’s insurance and financial services sector. Prior to leading the joint venture, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Emerging Markets from 2019 and became the inaugural CEO of SanlamAllianz following the formation of the partnership between Sanlam Group and Allianz SE in September 2023.

Over a distinguished career spanning finance, insurance, investments, and corporate governance, Werth held several senior leadership positions and served on the boards of Shriram Capital, Saham Finances, Botswana Insurance Holdings, Sanlam Namibia, and multiple subsidiaries within the Sanlam Emerging Markets cluster.

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A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), he holds a B.A Accountancy Honours degree and an MBA from Stellenbosch University, as well as an Executive Development Programme qualification from Manchester.

Commenting on his contribution, SanlamAllianz Board Chairman Chris Townsend praised Werth’s deep understanding of African markets and his role in strengthening relationships with regulators, partners, and stakeholders across the continent.

“His contributions have laid a strong foundation for SanlamAllianz, inspired teams, and helped advance generations towards greater financial confidence, security and prosperity,” Townsend said.

Hennie Nel to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Incoming CEO Hennie Nel currently serves as Executive Head of Corporate Finance at Sanlam Group, a position he assumed in 2023. He joined the group in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer of Santam and has since played a central role in several strategic transactions and expansion initiatives.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Nel has overseen major investments and corporate deals involving TymeBank, GoTyme, Ninety One, MultiChoice Group, and Shriram. He was also instrumental in Sanlam’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Saham Finances Group and the creation of the SanlamAllianz joint venture with Allianz SE.

During his tenure at Santam, Nel helped facilitate the insurer’s acquisition of economic interests in Sanlam General Insurance operations outside South Africa, strengthening the group’s footprint across Africa.

Leadership Transition to Support Long-Term Expansion

Chris Townsend, Chairman of the SanlamAllianz Board, thanked Werth for his leadership and welcomed Nel’s appointment.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Heinie for his significant contribution and congratulate Hennie on his appointment,” Townsend said.

The transition period between September and December 2026 is expected to provide leadership continuity as SanlamAllianz accelerates its growth ambitions and expands its presence across African insurance markets.