The board of directors of SanlamAllianz, the pan-African non-bank financial services company jointly established by Sanlam and Allianz, has appointed Hennie Nel as its next chief executive officer (CEO) with effect from September 1, 2026. Heinie Werth will retire at the end of 2026.
Werth retires after a distinguished 28-year career with the Sanlam Group, including serving as CEO since the inception of SanlamAllianz in September 2023. He will remain with the company until December 31, 2026 to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.
Chris Townsend, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SanlamAllianz, commented: “Mr Werth has developed an in-depth understanding of the African continent through years of travel to different markets and close engagement with partners, regulators and other stakeholders.
“His contributions have laid a solid foundation for SanlamAllianz, inspired the team and helped generations achieve greater financial confidence, security and prosperity.”
Nel currently serves as Executive Head of Corporate Finance at Sanlam Group and has extensive experience in strategy, corporate transactions and the African financial services market.
He has over 25 years of industry experience and joined the Group in 2012 as Santam’s Chief Financial Officer. In 2023, Nel moved to his current role at Sanlam Group, where he has led and overseen a number of major strategic transactions, including TymeBank, GoTyme, Ninety One, MultiChoice Group and Shriram.
During his tenure at Santam, he played a key role in Santam’s acquisition of financial interests in the Sanlam General Insurance business outside South Africa.
Nel was also involved in Sanlam Group’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Saham Finances Group, including Santam’s direct investment in Saham Finances and subsequent Sanlam Group’s joint venture with Allianz SE.
In the past, he also served for nearly 12 years as a director of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a global network providing audit, consulting and advisory services.
Townsend added: “We would like to extend our best wishes and sincere thanks for Haynie’s significant contributions and congratulate Haynie on his appointment.”
