Sanlam Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanlam has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and human resources.

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

Leadership Roles at Sanlam

  • Chief Executive Officer - Simba Manunure
  • CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited - Theo Bohlale
  • Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator - Rufaro Makwabarara
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Shiela Chanka
  • Chief Financial Officer - Landry Degla
  • Chief Information Officer - Afzal Dalwai
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mariska Oosthuizen
  • Chief Technology Officer - Atle Jorgensen
  • Chief Technology Officer, Cloud - Marnus Freeman
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sipho Gumbi
  • 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 guides the company's expansion across Africa and other international markets, ensuring the delivery of a broad spectrum of insurance, investment, wealth management, and financial planning solutions. This leadership role involves aligning all business units, including life and general insurance, retirement and savings, asset and wealth management, and corporate financial services, with the company's long-term objectives. Simba Manunure's focus remains on driving sustainable growth and enhancing Sanlam's market position as a leading non-bank financial services provider, serving millions of individual and institutional clients worldwide. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering innovation and maintaining the company's commitment to financial empowerment.
    Simba Manunure

    Theo Bohlale - CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited

    Theo Bohlale, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited at Sanlam, spearheads the strategic direction and operational performance of the Safrican Insurance Company Limited subsidiary. Bohlale oversees the development and implementation of insurance products tailored to specific market needs within the African continent, ensuring alignment with Sanlam's broader mission of financial inclusion. This executive's responsibilities encompass driving revenue growth, managing risk, and enhancing customer engagement for the insurance arm. Theo Bohlale's leadership ensures that Safrican Insurance Company Limited effectively contributes to Sanlam's overall objective of providing comprehensive insurance solutions, thereby expanding the group's reach and impact across its operational geographies. The CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited's role is critical in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the African insurance landscape.

    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 and operational support directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Makwabarara manages complex scheduling, coordinates executive communications, and facilitates the smooth functioning of the CEO's office, ensuring efficient workflow and timely execution of directives. This role involves handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality while supporting strategic initiatives. Rufaro Makwabarara's administrative expertise is vital in enabling the Chief Executive Officer to focus on high-level decision-making and strategic planning for Sanlam's global operations. The Administrator's function ensures seamless coordination across various departments, supporting the overall efficiency of the executive leadership team.

    Shiela Chanka - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Shiela Chanka, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the strategic vision and operational management for a significant segment of the company's diverse financial services portfolio. Chanka's leadership focuses on driving innovation and growth across key business areas, including insurance, investment, and wealth management, ensuring robust client solutions for individual and institutional markets. This executive is responsible for fostering cross-functional collaboration and optimizing performance across multiple operational units within Sanlam's extensive network. Shiela Chanka's strategic oversight is instrumental in maintaining Sanlam's position as a leading financial services group, particularly in its expansion across Africa and other international territories. The Principal Chief Executive Officer's mandate emphasizes delivering value and upholding the company's commitment to financial empowerment.

    Landry Degla - Chief Financial Officer

    Landry Degla, the Chief Financial Officer at Sanlam, oversees the entire financial strategy and fiscal operations of the global diversified financial services group. Degla manages financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and capital allocation, ensuring the company's financial health and sustainable growth across its extensive operations in Africa and international markets. This executive's responsibilities include financial reporting, investor relations, and optimizing the financial performance of all business units, from insurance and investments to wealth management and corporate services. Landry Degla's strategic financial guidance is crucial for supporting Sanlam's expansion initiatives and maintaining its status as a leading non-bank financial services provider. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and drives shareholder value.

    Afzal Dalwai - Chief Information Officer

    Afzal Dalwai, the Chief Information Officer at Sanlam, directs the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring robust digital capabilities across its global operations. Dalwai oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support Sanlam's diverse financial services, including insurance, investment, and wealth management, across Africa and international markets. This executive's mandate involves enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing IT systems for efficiency, and driving digital transformation initiatives to improve client experiences and operational effectiveness. Afzal Dalwai's leadership ensures that Sanlam leverages technology to maintain its competitive edge and deliver innovative financial solutions. The Chief Information Officer plays a pivotal role in safeguarding data integrity and supporting the company's strategic growth objectives through advanced technological frameworks.

    Mariska Oosthuizen - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mariska Oosthuizen, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sanlam, leads the comprehensive marketing and brand strategy for the global diversified financial services group. Oosthuizen is responsible for developing and executing campaigns that enhance Sanlam's market presence and communicate the value of its insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions to individual and institutional clients across Africa and beyond. This executive's role involves understanding market dynamics, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring consistent brand messaging that resonates with diverse customer segments. Mariska Oosthuizen's strategic marketing initiatives are critical for driving customer acquisition, retention, and fostering brand loyalty, thereby supporting Sanlam's mission of financial empowerment. The Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company's offerings are effectively positioned in competitive landscapes.

    Atle Jorgensen - Chief Technology Officer

    Atle Jorgensen, the Chief Technology Officer at Sanlam, drives the technological vision and innovation strategy for the group's extensive financial services operations. Jorgensen oversees the architecture and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions that underpin Sanlam's insurance, investment, and wealth management offerings across Africa and international markets. This executive's responsibilities include evaluating emerging technologies, ensuring system scalability and resilience, and fostering a culture of technological advancement within the organization. Atle Jorgensen's leadership is crucial for maintaining Sanlam's technological infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the delivery of advanced digital services to millions of clients. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that technology serves as a key enabler for the company's strategic growth and market leadership.
    Atle Jorgensen

    Marnus Freeman - Chief Technology Officer, Cloud

    Marnus Freeman, the Chief Technology Officer, Cloud at Sanlam, spearheads the strategic development and implementation of cloud computing infrastructure and services across the organization. Freeman directs the migration of Sanlam's diverse financial services, including insurance and investment platforms, to scalable and secure cloud environments, enhancing operational agility and data accessibility. This executive's focus is on optimizing cloud resource utilization, ensuring robust data governance, and driving innovation through cloud-native solutions that support Sanlam's operations in Africa and international markets. Marnus Freeman's expertise is vital for modernizing Sanlam's technological backbone, enabling greater efficiency and supporting the delivery of advanced financial products. The Chief Technology Officer, Cloud ensures the company leverages cloud technology for competitive advantage and sustained growth.

    Sipho Gumbi - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sipho Gumbi, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sanlam, leads the strategic management of human capital across the global diversified financial services group. Gumbi is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and programs that support talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and fostering a positive organizational culture aligned with Sanlam's mission. This executive's role involves ensuring that Sanlam attracts, retains, and develops a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and delivering exceptional service in insurance, investment, and wealth management sectors across Africa and international markets. Sipho Gumbi's leadership is critical for building a high-performing team and supporting the company's strategic objectives through effective people management. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

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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 Theo Bohlale (CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited) 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), Theo Bohlale (CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited), 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, CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited, Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.