Sanlam Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanlam has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and technology.

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 - Johan Zyl
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Shiela Chanka
  • Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator - Rufaro Makwabarara
  • CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited - Theo Bohlale
  • Chief Financial Officer - Landry Degla
  • Chief Operating Officer, Nms Insurance Services Ltd (Sa, Sanlam Santam & Multichoice JV ) - Vuyo Dyantyi
  • Sanlam Fintech Chief Operating Officer - Nora Labuschagne
  • Chief Information Officer - Afzal Dalwai
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mariska Oosthuizen
  • Chief Technology Officer, Cloud - Marnus Freeman
  • Johan Zyl - Chief Executive Officer

    Johan Zyl, the Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, directs the overarching strategy and global operations of the diversified financial services group. Zyl oversees the integration of insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions across Africa and international markets, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to empower clients financially. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining Sanlam's position as a leading non-bank financial services entity. Johan Zyl's strategic vision guides the expansion of services, including life and general insurance, retirement products, and corporate financial services, impacting millions of individual and institutional clients. The Chief Executive Officer ensures robust governance and operational excellence across all business units, solidifying Sanlam's market presence and commitment to client success.

    Shiela Chanka - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Shiela Chanka, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at Sanlam, spearheads critical strategic initiatives and operational frameworks for the financial services conglomerate. Chanka's mandate includes enhancing the delivery of diverse offerings such as insurance, investment, and wealth management solutions to a broad client base spanning Africa and beyond. This executive position involves fostering innovation and ensuring the effective execution of business plans to meet market demands. Shiela Chanka's leadership focuses on optimizing service delivery and expanding market reach, reinforcing Sanlam's role as a key player in the financial sector. The Principal Chief Executive Officer drives the company's commitment to client prosperity through robust financial planning and advisory services.

    Rufaro Makwabarara - Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator

    Rufaro Makwabarara, the Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator at Sanlam, provides essential administrative support and operational coordination for the Chief Executive Officer. Makwabarara manages critical scheduling, communication, and documentation, ensuring the smooth functioning of the executive office. This role is vital for facilitating the efficient execution of strategic directives and maintaining seamless operations within the leadership team. Rufaro Makwabarara's responsibilities include coordinating meetings, managing correspondence, and supporting administrative tasks that enable the Chief Executive Officer to focus on high-level strategic decisions. The Administrator ensures organizational efficiency and supports the executive's engagement with various business units across Sanlam's diverse financial services portfolio.

    Theo Bohlale - CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited

    Theo Bohlale, the CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited at Sanlam, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the Safrican Insurance Company, a key entity within the Sanlam group. Bohlale oversees the provision of specialized insurance products and services tailored to meet the needs of the African market, driving growth and market penetration. This leadership position involves managing underwriting, claims, and customer service functions to ensure client satisfaction and financial stability. Theo Bohlale's focus is on expanding Safrican's reach and enhancing its product offerings in life and general insurance. The CEO ensures regulatory compliance and fosters a culture of innovation to maintain a competitive edge in the insurance sector.

    Landry Degla - Chief Financial Officer

    Landry Degla, the Chief Financial Officer at Sanlam, oversees the financial strategy, planning, and reporting for the global diversified financial services group. Degla manages all aspects of financial operations, including capital allocation, investment strategies, and risk management across Sanlam's extensive operations in Africa and international markets. This pivotal role ensures the financial health and sustainability of the company's insurance, investment, and wealth management businesses. Landry Degla's leadership guides fiscal discipline and drives profitability, supporting Sanlam's mission to deliver value to its stakeholders. The Chief Financial Officer is instrumental in financial forecasting, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regulatory financial standards.

    Vuyo Dyantyi - Chief Operating Officer, Nms Insurance Services Ltd (Sa, Sanlam Santam & Multichoice JV )

    Vuyo Dyantyi, the Chief Operating Officer, Nms Insurance Services Ltd (Sa, Sanlam Santam & Multichoice JV ) at Sanlam, directs the operational execution and service delivery for the NMS Insurance Services joint venture. Dyantyi manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless integration and efficient performance of insurance services provided through the Sanlam, Santam, and Multichoice partnership. This role focuses on optimizing operational workflows, enhancing service quality, and driving efficiency within the joint venture's framework. Vuyo Dyantyi's leadership ensures that the operational strategies align with the objectives of all participating entities, fostering collaboration and achieving business goals. The Chief Operating Officer oversees process improvements and resource management to support the venture's growth and client satisfaction.

    Nora Labuschagne - Sanlam Fintech Chief Operating Officer

    Nora Labuschagne, the Sanlam Fintech Chief Operating Officer at Sanlam, spearheads the operational strategy and execution for the company's fintech initiatives. Labuschagne focuses on optimizing the delivery of innovative financial technology solutions, enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency within Sanlam's digital offerings. This executive position involves managing the operational aspects of fintech product development and deployment across various markets. Nora Labuschagne's leadership ensures that fintech operations are aligned with Sanlam's broader business objectives and regulatory requirements. The Chief Operating Officer drives process improvements and technological integration to support Sanlam's position in the evolving financial technology landscape.

    Afzal Dalwai - Chief Information Officer

    Afzal Dalwai, the Chief Information Officer at Sanlam, architects and directs the company's global information technology strategy and infrastructure. Dalwai oversees the development and implementation of robust digital solutions that support Sanlam's diverse financial services, including insurance, investment, and wealth management. This critical role ensures the security, scalability, and efficiency of all IT systems across Africa and international operations. Afzal Dalwai's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive business innovation. The Chief Information Officer manages data governance, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives, underpinning Sanlam's commitment to technological advancement and operational resilience.

    Mariska Oosthuizen - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mariska Oosthuizen, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sanlam, shapes and executes the global marketing and brand strategy for the diversified financial services group. Oosthuizen leads initiatives to enhance Sanlam's market presence and client engagement across its insurance, investment, and wealth management offerings in Africa and international markets. This executive role involves overseeing market research, brand development, and integrated marketing campaigns to drive customer acquisition and retention. Mariska Oosthuizen's expertise ensures that Sanlam's value proposition is effectively communicated to individual and institutional clients. The Chief Marketing Officer directs digital marketing efforts and public relations, reinforcing Sanlam's reputation as a trusted financial partner.

    Marnus Freeman - Chief Technology Officer, Cloud

    Marnus Freeman, the Chief Technology Officer, Cloud at Sanlam, leads the strategic development and implementation of cloud-based technology solutions across the organization. Freeman oversees the architecture, deployment, and management of cloud infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and cost-efficiency for Sanlam's global operations. This role is crucial for enabling digital transformation and enhancing the delivery of financial services, including insurance and investments. Marnus Freeman's expertise drives innovation in cloud computing, supporting Sanlam's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for business growth and operational excellence. The Chief Technology Officer, Cloud ensures that cloud strategies align with the company's overall IT roadmap and business objectives.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Insurance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sanlam Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sanlam?
    Sanlam is led by Johan Zyl (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Shiela Chanka (Principal Chief Executive Officer) 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 Johan Zyl (Chief Executive Officer), Shiela Chanka (Principal Chief Executive Officer), 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, Personal Assistance To Chief Executive Officer and Administrator, CEO Safrican Insurance Company Limited, Chief Financial Officer.