Executive team appointed to lead new African insurer syndicate

Cape Town-based Santam Insurance Group has appointed a senior executive team to lead recently launched Santam Syndicate 1918, following in principle approval by Lloyd’s in July 2025.

Rob Vetch has been appointed as chief executive and chief financial officer designate of the syndicate. 

A 30-year professional in the global (re)insurance market, Vetch is currently the chief financial officer at Hamilton Global Specialty and previously served as chief financial officer at W/R/B Underwriting. In these roles, he was responsible for executive leadership and building Lloyd’s businesses.

Other former experience includes senior finance roles at Brit Insurance, QBE Insurance Group and at PwC.

Vetch said: “It is such an exciting opportunity and privilege to be appointed to lead the development of an international Lloyd’s business for the Santam Group.

”I am looking forward to building a leading-edge team with a fresh perspective that will bring the culture and spirit of innovation that exists within Santam to the Lloyd’s market.”

Meet the team

Simon Clapham has also been appointed as chief underwriting officer and active underwriter designate, with Richard Weston joining as chief actuary designate and Carla Jordan transitioning into the syndicate executive team as chief engagement and portfolio officer. 

Clapham joins from Aon Underwriting Managers and is also a co-founder of the Santam-majority owned MGA Avatar. He was also the active underwriter for Brit’s Syndicates 800 and 2987, a member of the board at Brit Insurance Holdings and of the Lloyd’s Market Board.

Prior to joining Santam, Weston also worked at Brit Insurance where he held roles including executive assistant to the chief executive, underwriting performance manager, deputy chief actuary and, most recently, chief actuary at Brit Syndicates.

Meanwhile, Jordan has been a part of the Santam Group in various senior roles for 17 years and was most recently the chief executive at Santam Specialist Business UK and the head of international business development in London. 

Tavaziva Madzinga, chief executive at Santam Group, noted that the executive appointments were an important step in the process of operationalising the syndicate and will be a catalyst in attracting talented professionals for the new venture.

He said: “We have kicked off the ‘Making It Happen’ phase with Lloyd’s and will therefore accelerate the operationalisation initiatives to obtain ‘permission to underwrite’ towards the end of the year.

”These appointments of suitably experienced and capable professionals ensure we are appropriately prepared for business inception on 1 January 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals wanting to join a successful business with a proven track record that is accelerating its international footprint.”