Sanlam Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanlam has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, regional operations, fintech innovation, retail mass market services, and specialized insurance solutions.

Committed to empowering financial confidence across diverse markets, Sanlam delivers comprehensive insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions to millions of individual and institutional clients globally.

Leadership Roles at Sanlam

  • Chief Executive Officer - Simba Manunure
  • Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa - Margaret Dawes
  • Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech - Riaan van Dyk
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass - Bongani Madikiza
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Paul Hanratty
  • Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer - Suzette Louw
  • Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards - Gerrit Van Heerde
  • Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer - Kanyisa Mkhize
  • CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited - Theo Bohlale
  • Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer - Tavaziva Madzinga
  • Simba Manunure - Chief Executive Officer

    Simba Manunure, the Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Manunure manages the alignment of core financial services with long-term growth objectives across the African continent. By overseeing the integration of insurance and investment portfolios, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent value delivery for institutional clients. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the non-bank financial services sector. Simba Manunure drives operational excellence by fostering collaboration between regional business units and corporate headquarters. Through rigorous oversight of financial planning solutions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the group. Manunure prioritizes the expansion of wealth management services to meet the evolving needs of a diverse client base. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the firm through disciplined execution of corporate mandates.
    Simba Manunure

    Margaret Dawes - Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa

    Margaret Dawes, the Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa at Sanlam, oversees all insurance and investment operations outside the domestic market. Dawes architects the expansion strategy across various African territories, ensuring that local financial planning solutions meet regional regulatory requirements. By managing cross-border partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa drives sustainable growth in emerging markets. This role requires constant coordination with local leadership teams to optimize service delivery for retail and corporate clients. Margaret Dawes monitors the performance of regional portfolios to ensure alignment with the broader group mission. Through the implementation of standardized wealth management frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa enhances operational efficiency across international borders. Dawes focuses on scaling the presence of the firm in high-growth economies. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa secures the long-term viability of international investments through proactive risk management and strategic market penetration.

    Riaan van Dyk - Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech

    Riaan van Dyk, the Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech at Sanlam, directs the digital transformation of financial services. Van Dyk architects the development of innovative platforms that integrate retail credit and digital insurance products into the daily lives of clients. By overseeing the deployment of advanced technology, the Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech ensures that the group remains at the forefront of the digital economy. This role involves constant collaboration with product development teams to streamline user experiences and increase accessibility to financial planning tools. Riaan van Dyk monitors the adoption rates of digital solutions to refine the technological roadmap. Through the strategic application of data analytics, the Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech optimizes service delivery models. Van Dyk drives the modernization of legacy systems to support scalable growth. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech secures the future competitiveness of the firm through continuous digital innovation.
    Riaan van Dyk

    Bongani Madikiza - Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass

    Bongani Madikiza, the Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass at Sanlam, directs the delivery of insurance and savings products to the mass market segment. Madikiza architects strategies to increase financial inclusion by providing accessible wealth management and retail credit solutions. By overseeing the distribution networks across the country, the Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass ensures that essential financial services reach underserved populations. This role involves constant engagement with retail teams to improve customer retention and service quality. Bongani Madikiza monitors market penetration metrics to adjust product offerings according to consumer demand. Through the implementation of efficient service models, the Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass drives revenue growth within the retail sector. Madikiza focuses on simplifying complex financial products to enhance client understanding and trust. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass secures the social impact and market reach of the firm through dedicated service to the retail mass market.

    Paul Hanratty - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Paul Hanratty, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the global strategy for the entire diversified financial services group. Hanratty architects the long-term vision for insurance, investment, and corporate financial services across all international markets. By overseeing the performance of all business units, the Group Chief Executive Officer ensures that the firm maintains its status as a leader in the non-bank financial sector. This role involves constant interaction with the Board to align operational outcomes with shareholder expectations. Paul Hanratty monitors the macro-economic environment to guide the group through complex market shifts. Through the strategic allocation of capital, the Group Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Hanratty prioritizes the integration of healthcare and wealth management solutions to provide holistic client value. Ultimately, the Group Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and reputation of the firm through decisive leadership and strategic foresight.

    Suzette Louw - Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer

    Suzette Louw, the Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the administrative and operational flow for the executive office. Louw architects the scheduling and communication protocols that allow the Chief Executive Officer to focus on high-level strategic initiatives. By overseeing the coordination of meetings with key stakeholders, the Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer ensures that executive time is utilized for maximum impact. This role involves constant management of information streams to support the decision-making process of the leadership team. Suzette Louw monitors the internal and external correspondence to maintain the professional standards of the office. Through the organization of complex workflows, the Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency in the daily operations of the firm. Louw facilitates communication between the executive office and various business units. Ultimately, the Personal Assistatnt To Chief Executive Officer secures the operational continuity of the leadership team through meticulous planning and support.

    Gerrit Van Heerde - Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards

    Gerrit Van Heerde, the Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards at Sanlam, directs the expansion of banking and credit services. Van Heerde architects the integration of reward programs into the broader financial planning ecosystem to increase client loyalty. By overseeing the development of retail credit products, the Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards ensures that the firm provides comprehensive financial solutions. This role involves constant collaboration with risk management teams to maintain the stability of the credit portfolio. Gerrit Van Heerde monitors the performance of banking operations to identify opportunities for cross-selling and market growth. Through the strategic management of reward structures, the Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards drives engagement across the client base. Van Heerde focuses on creating seamless banking experiences that complement existing insurance offerings. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, Credit, Banking & Rewards secures the diversification of the firm through innovative credit and banking strategies.
    Gerrit Van Heerde

    Kanyisa Mkhize - Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer

    Kanyisa Mkhize, the Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer at Sanlam, directs the delivery of financial services to large-scale institutional clients. Mkhize architects the strategy for corporate financial services, ensuring that complex insurance and investment needs are met with precision. By overseeing the relationship management teams, the Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer ensures that the firm maintains strong partnerships with major corporate entities. This role involves constant coordination with other C-suite leaders to align corporate offerings with the overall group strategy. Kanyisa Mkhize monitors the performance of the corporate portfolio to drive revenue and market share. Through the implementation of tailored financial solutions, the Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer enhances the value proposition for institutional clients. Mkhize focuses on delivering sustainable growth through high-level corporate engagement. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Sanlam Corporate Officer secures the institutional market position of the firm through expert service delivery.
    Kanyisa Mkhize

    Theo Bohlale - CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited

    Theo Bohlale, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited at Sanlam, directs the specialized insurance operations within the group. Bohlale architects the product development and underwriting strategies that define the competitive advantage of the insurance company. By overseeing the claims and policy management processes, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited ensures that the firm delivers reliable protection to its policyholders. This role involves constant monitoring of risk profiles to maintain the financial integrity of the insurance portfolio. Theo Bohlale drives operational efficiency by streamlining the customer service experience for insurance clients. Through the strategic management of insurance products, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited supports the broader mission of providing financial security. Bohlale focuses on expanding the reach of specialized insurance solutions to meet diverse market needs. Ultimately, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited secures the reputation of the firm through consistent and dependable insurance performance.

    Tavaziva Madzinga - Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer

    Tavaziva Madzinga, the Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer at Sanlam, directs the general insurance operations within the group. Madzinga architects the strategic direction for general insurance products, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in the non-life insurance market. By overseeing the underwriting and distribution of general insurance, the Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer ensures that the firm provides robust protection against various risks. This role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align insurance strategies with the overall group objectives. Tavaziva Madzinga monitors the performance of the general insurance portfolio to drive profitability and market growth. Through the implementation of advanced risk assessment tools, the Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer enhances the quality of insurance coverage. Madzinga focuses on maintaining high standards of service for all general insurance clients. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Santam Limited Officer secures the market leadership of the firm through expert management of general insurance operations.
    Tavaziva Madzinga

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sanlam Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sanlam?
    Sanlam is led by Simba Manunure (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Margaret Dawes (Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa) and Riaan van Dyk (Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech).
    Who is part of Sanlam’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sanlam includes leaders such as Simba Manunure (Chief Executive Officer), Margaret Dawes (Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa), Riaan van Dyk (Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sanlam have?
    Sanlam has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sanlam’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sanlam includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa, Chief Executive Officer Sanlam Fintech, Chief Executive Officer, Sa Retail Mass, Group Chief Executive Officer.