Insurance industry veteran appointed CEO of Santam Re

Santam, South Africa’s largest short-insurer, has appointed insurance industry veteran Nico Conradie, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Santam Re, the Group’s independent non-life treaty reinsurer, with effect from 1 March 2026.
 
Conradie has more than 30 years of reinsurance experience, which includes senior leadership roles in insurance across different parts of the world. He has most recently finished a stint as CEO of Munich Re, Africa Branch. Conradie has also worked at Munich Re in other capacities, including as Executive Manager: Life, General Manager: Life. He, among others, also has previous experience as Managing Director of Hannover Life Re Africa. 
 
Conradie possesses a Master of Science degree from the North-West University, and a B.Sc. Honours from University of Stellenbosch. 
 
Santam Group CEO Tavaziva Madzinga, said Conradie was joining the company at an exciting time in its history. He also thanked Kush Padia, the Santam Re Chief Finance Officer, who had acted as interim CEO, while the company was looking for an executive head for the business unit. Padia will return to his permanent position as CFO of Santam Re from the beginning of March. 
 
“Thanks to Kush for stepping in and ensuring Santam Re was well managed during his time at the helm. Nico brings a wealth of experience that will greatly assist in the attainment of our FutureFit 2030 strategy. We look forward to his contribution as Santam Re continues to successfully provide reinsurance solutions for emerging and developed markets,” he said.