Sanlam Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanlam has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, wealth management, operations, technology, marketing, risk, and revenue.

Driven by a commitment to financial empowerment, Sanlam provides a comprehensive suite of insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions, impacting millions across Africa and international markets.

Leadership Roles at Sanlam

  • Chief Executive Officer - Simba Manunure
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments - Jiten Singh
  • Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator - Rufaro Makwabarara
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Shiela Chanka
  • Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa - Margaret Dawes
  • Chief Operating Officer - Mamere Chiloane
  • Chief Technology Officer - Muneer Ebrahim
  • Chief Information Officer - Lazola Ngqaza
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mariska Oosthuizen
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Sanlam Emerging Markets - Lizelle Nel
  • Simba Manunure - Chief Executive Officer

    Simba Manunure, the Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global diversified financial services group. Manunure oversees the integration of insurance, investment, wealth management, and financial planning solutions, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to empower clients. This leadership role involves guiding the group's expansion across Africa and other international markets, driving growth in life and general insurance, retirement products, asset management, and corporate financial services. By focusing on client needs and market dynamics, Simba Manunure ensures Sanlam maintains its position as a leading non-bank financial services provider. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic vision shapes the company's response to evolving financial landscapes and client demands, solidifying Sanlam's market presence and long-term sustainability.
    Simba Manunure

    Jiten Singh - Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments

    Jiten Singh, the Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments at Sanlam, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments. Singh focuses on developing and executing innovative investment strategies and wealth management solutions tailored to individual and institutional clients. This leadership position involves driving the growth and performance of these distinct entities within the broader Sanlam group, ensuring synergy with the company's core financial services offerings. By cultivating robust client relationships and identifying emerging market opportunities, Jiten Singh enhances Sanlam's competitive edge in the investment and wealth management sectors. The Principal Chief Executive Officer's commitment to insightful investment practices supports the group's objective of delivering comprehensive financial planning and asset management services across its operational geographies.
    Jiten Singh

    Rufaro Makwabarara - Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator

    Rufaro Makwabarara, the Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator at Sanlam, provides critical administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring the smooth functioning of executive operations. Makwabarara manages scheduling, communication, and logistical arrangements, facilitating the CEO's strategic initiatives and daily responsibilities. This role involves coordinating meetings, preparing documentation, and maintaining efficient administrative workflows that underpin the executive leadership's effectiveness. By handling essential administrative tasks, Rufaro Makwabarara enables the Chief Executive Officer to concentrate on high-level strategic decision-making and stakeholder engagement. The Administrator's diligent support is vital for maintaining operational continuity and facilitating the seamless execution of Sanlam's diverse financial services across its global footprint.

    Shiela Chanka - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Shiela Chanka, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, drives the strategic vision and operational excellence for key business units within the diversified financial services group. Chanka's leadership focuses on enhancing client value through innovative insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions. This executive role involves overseeing the development and implementation of growth strategies, ensuring Sanlam's continued expansion in its target markets across Africa and internationally. By championing operational efficiency and client-centric approaches, Shiela Chanka contributes significantly to the group's mission of empowering individuals and institutions financially. The Principal Chief Executive Officer's strategic oversight is instrumental in navigating complex market dynamics and reinforcing Sanlam's reputation as a trusted financial partner.

    Margaret Dawes - Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa

    Margaret Dawes, the Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa at Sanlam, leads the strategic development and operational oversight for the company's extensive business activities across the African continent, excluding South Africa. Dawes directs the expansion and management of Sanlam's diverse financial services, including insurance, investment, and wealth management, tailored to the unique needs of various African markets. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments, fostering local partnerships, and driving growth initiatives to solidify Sanlam's presence and impact. By focusing on regional specificities and client needs, Margaret Dawes ensures Sanlam effectively serves millions of individuals and institutions, contributing significantly to financial inclusion and economic development across the continent. The Chief Executive Officer's deep understanding of African markets is crucial for Sanlam's ongoing success and commitment to empowering lives.

    Mamere Chiloane - Chief Operating Officer

    Mamere Chiloane, the Chief Operating Officer at Sanlam, drives operational efficiency and excellence across the group's diverse financial services. Chiloane oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless delivery of insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions to clients. This leadership position involves optimizing business processes, managing resource allocation, and implementing best practices to enhance service quality and client satisfaction. By focusing on operational effectiveness, Mamere Chiloane supports Sanlam's strategic objectives of growth and market expansion across Africa and beyond. The Chief Operating Officer's commitment to streamlined operations is essential for maintaining Sanlam's position as a leading financial services provider and ensuring consistent service delivery to millions of clients.

    Muneer Ebrahim - Chief Technology Officer

    Muneer Ebrahim, the Chief Technology Officer at Sanlam, architects and directs the company's technology strategy, ensuring robust and scalable digital infrastructure. Ebrahim oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that support Sanlam's broad range of insurance, investment, and wealth management services. This critical role involves managing the IT landscape, driving digital transformation initiatives, and enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect client data and company assets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Muneer Ebrahim ensures operational efficiency and supports the delivery of seamless financial services across Africa and international markets. The Chief Technology Officer's expertise is fundamental to Sanlam's ability to adapt to evolving technological trends and maintain a competitive advantage in the global financial sector.
    Muneer Ebrahim

    Lazola Ngqaza - Chief Information Officer

    Lazola Ngqaza, the Chief Information Officer at Sanlam, leads the strategic planning and execution of information technology initiatives across the organization. Ngqaza is responsible for managing Sanlam's IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, and driving the adoption of digital technologies to enhance service delivery. This role involves overseeing the development and maintenance of information systems that support the group's extensive insurance, investment, and wealth management operations. By aligning IT strategy with business objectives, Lazola Ngqaza ensures that Sanlam leverages technology effectively to meet client needs and achieve its growth targets in Africa and international markets. The Chief Information Officer's focus on technological innovation and data integrity is crucial for Sanlam's operational resilience and competitive positioning.

    Mariska Oosthuizen - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mariska Oosthuizen, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sanlam, directs the company's marketing strategy and brand management initiatives to enhance market presence and client engagement. Oosthuizen oversees the development and execution of campaigns that promote Sanlam's comprehensive range of insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions. This executive role involves understanding market dynamics, identifying target audiences, and crafting compelling messaging to drive customer acquisition and retention across Africa and international territories. By championing innovative marketing approaches, Mariska Oosthuizen strengthens Sanlam's brand equity and supports the group's mission of financial empowerment. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic vision is key to communicating Sanlam's value proposition and fostering deeper connections with its diverse client base.

    Lizelle Nel - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Sanlam Emerging Markets

    Lizelle Nel, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Sanlam Emerging Markets at Sanlam, manages the comprehensive risk framework and drives revenue generation strategies for the emerging markets division. Nel oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with Sanlam's operations in these dynamic regions, ensuring regulatory compliance and financial stability. Simultaneously, this executive champions initiatives to expand revenue streams and market share for insurance, investment, and wealth management products. By balancing prudent risk management with aggressive revenue growth, Lizelle Nel plays a pivotal role in Sanlam's strategic expansion across Africa and other emerging economies. The dual focus of Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer ensures sustainable growth and robust financial health for Sanlam's emerging market operations.
    Lizelle Nel

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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 Jiten Singh (Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments) and Rufaro Makwabarara (Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator).
    Who is part of Sanlam’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sanlam includes leaders such as Simba Manunure (Chief Executive Officer), Jiten Singh (Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments), Rufaro Makwabarara (Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator) 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, Principal Chief Executive Officer JS Wealth and Illuminate Insight Investments, Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Rest of Africa.