Santam Group, Africa’s largest non-life insurance company, has appointed Hemant Gulati as country head and chief officer of its operations at GIFT City, India’s first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services centre, pending regulatory approval.
In his new role, Gulati will lead Santam GIFT City operations with a focus on strengthening the specialty insurance and reinsurance platform, deepening global partnerships and driving sustainable long-term growth.
The insurance company received permission to set up a branch in GIFT City in early 2026. These businesses enable Santam to strengthen its existing foothold in the Indian market, drive international expansion and expand its international treaty and facultative reinsurance business scope.
Gulati is a veteran in the Indian insurance industry. After joining UNISON Insurance Broking Services, he served as senior executive vice president and business head of reinsurance (GIFT City).
He started his career in claims and loss adjustment with Puri Crawford Surveyors & Loss Acters in Mumbai, where he was exposed to huge industrial and engineering losses at an early stage.
Since then, Gulati has expanded his capabilities into risk engineering, underwriting consulting and corporate client services, developing a comprehensive perspective on managing complex risks for large enterprises.
Gareth Beaver, CEO of Santam Specialist Solutions, said: “Gulati is a seasoned professional who understands Indian and international markets. With nearly two decades of experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector, Hemant has deep expertise in structuring reinsurance portfolios, building complex risk transfer solutions and driving strategic growth in domestic and international markets.”
He continued: “He has led both the interim and treaty businesses, established reinsurance capacity arrangements and expanded business relationships in more than 30 countries – demonstrating a strong track record of building and scaling international reinsurance platforms. We are excited about his appointment and look forward to his leadership in growing our India business.”
Gulati added: “I look forward to contributing my experience to Santam’s international treaty and faculties reinsurance capabilities. I am delighted to be joining Santam Limited as Chief Officer and Country Head, GIFT City India. India is a dynamic and fast-growing market and I look forward to building strong partnerships, driving growth and contributing to Santam’s journey in the region. I am proud to be embarking on this exciting new chapter as a Santam native.”
