BIHL marks leadership transition at SanlamAllianz
staff writer | Wednesday September 23, 2026 06:00
The local listed diversified giant is a member of SanlamAllianz, which is the largest pan-African non-banking financial services entity. The two are looking to deepen their strategic collaboration chapter under SanlamAllianz’s new Chief Executive Officer, Hennie Nel. He assumed the position beginning early September and succeeds Heinie Werth, who is preparing for retirement at the end of December 2026. The leadership transition has renewed focus on the future of a relationship spanning more than two decades, during which SanlamAllianz has provided BIHL with strategic guidance, technical expertise and opportunities for knowledge sharing. Speaking at the event, BIHL Group CEO Catherine Lesetedi said the Botswana Stock Exchange-listed outfit remained optimistic about the future of the partnership.
“Over the years, SanlamAllianz has provided the group with strategic guidance, technical expertise and opportunities that have contributed meaningfully to the development of our people and our businesses,” she said. Lesetedi added that BIHL looked forward to strengthening collaboration, sharing expertise and identifying new ways of creating value for clients and stakeholders. The partnership has evolved alongside both organisations, with Werth having a longstanding association with BIHL. Before becoming SanlamAllianz CEO, he served as a board member of the BIHL Group, giving him insight into its development and relationship with Sanlam. In his farewell remarks, Werth thanked BIHL for its partnership, trust and support over the years, while emphasising the importance of clients to the future of the financial services industry. “Clients are the key reason for our existence; they will remain the future of our existence,” he said.
Werth expressed confidence that BIHL would maintain a strong partnership with Nel. Nel, a Chartered Accountant, joined the Sanlam Group in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer of Santam. He moved to Sanlam in 2023 as Executive Head of Corporate Finance, where he was involved in strategic transactions involving TymeBank, Ninety-One, MultiChoice Group and Shriram in India. He also brings existing knowledge of SanlamAllianz, having been involved in the acquisition of economic participation in Sanlam’s general insurance businesses outside South Africa during his time at Santam.
Welcoming his appointment, Nel said SanlamAllianz remained committed to working with BIHL as the two organisations continued to grow and innovate. The leadership transition comes as the financial services sector evolves and client needs change, placing greater emphasis on innovation, expertise and strategic partnerships.