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Hennie Nel Assumed SanlamAllianz CEO Role

The veteran executive steps into the top position as the firm shifts leadership ahead of a planned 2026 retirement.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People

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Hennie Nel has assumed the role of CEO at SanlamAllianz, marking the beginning of a leadership transition leading up to Heinie Werth’s retirement in December 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hennie Nel assumed the role of SanlamAllianz Chief Executive Officer in early September 2026. This transition marks the start of a leadership handoff as current CEO Heinie Werth prepares to retire in December 2026.

Why it matters

The change reflects the financial services industry's need to adapt to evolving client demands and market conditions. It also underscores the deepening strategic collaboration between SanlamAllianz and its partner, BIHL.

Nel brings 14 years of experience to the role, having joined the Sanlam Group in 2012 and serving as Executive Head of Corporate Finance since 2023. His tenure includes oversight of major transactions involving firms like Shriram and the MultiChoice Group.

The players

Hennie Nel

The new CEO of SanlamAllianz who previously served as the Executive Head of Corporate Finance at Sanlam.

Heinie Werth

The outgoing CEO of SanlamAllianz who will retire from the firm in December 2026.

Sanlam Group

A major financial services provider with operations spanning insurance, financial planning, and investment management.

BIHL

A Botswana-based financial services group maintaining a multi-decade strategic partnership with SanlamAllianz.

The details

As part of a multi-decade partnership, the move signals a continued focus on cross-border operational integration between BIHL and SanlamAllianz. Nel previously managed complex transactions for the firm, providing him with a track record in navigating the shifting requirements of global financial services markets.

Timeline

  1. Hennie Nel joined the Sanlam Group in 2012.

  2. Hennie Nel took over as Executive Head of Corporate Finance in 2023.

  3. The transition to the CEO position occurred in early September 2026.

  4. Heinie Werth is scheduled to retire at the end of December 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership change follows the established pattern of long-term operational collaboration between BIHL and SanlamAllianz. It highlights how major financial services firms are aligning their executive teams to meet evolving regional and international client demands.

Operators should monitor how this transition impacts existing partnership terms and service delivery channels in the Botswana and South African markets. Pay attention to whether the shift in leadership signals a change in the firm's appetite for international strategic transactions.

The takeaway

The appointment of a seasoned corporate finance veteran suggests that SanlamAllianz will continue to prioritize strategic expansion and partnership management. Observe the firm's next quarterly reports for signals on whether this leadership change alters their approach to current ventures.

What happens next

Heinie Werth will officially retire from his position as CEO at the end of December 2026.

Further reading

For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Mmegi Online.

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