GIB Africa Alliance Conference 2025

Ryan serves as Divisional Executive of Bespoke and Reinsurance Solutions at GIB, a role he assumed on May 1, 2025. Prior to joining GIB, he held a Regional Management position at Guardrisk, South Africa’s largest cell captive insurer, where he spearheaded the company’s expansion into the commercial market for their general Insurance business.

With a background as a reinsurance broker, Ryan specialized in treaty and facultative placements across short-term and life insurance markets in Southern Africa and the broader African region. His expertise is further complemented by his corporate underwriting experience.

At GIB, Ryan’s focus is reinsurance placements as well as complex accounts for the group.

Vikram Ramlochun is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA ACCA) in the UK and is also a member of the Mauritius Institute of Directors in Mauritius. He is the Managing Director of Guardrisk Group of Companies in Mauritius and has 20+ years of leadership experience within the Group. He is also an independent non-executive director of an Insurance Company in Zimbabwe and the Chairman of the Investment and Finance Committee.

Mr V. Ramlochun is also a member of the Financial Services Commission’s (‘FSC’) Insurance Sub Committee in Mauritius. This Committee advises the FSC on changes necessary to the Insurance Regulatory Framework in Mauritius.

He is also a member of Sub Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Financial Services advising the Ministry on Insurance related matters.

• Managing Director of Guardrisk Group of Companies in Mauritius

• 26 years experience in the Financial Services Industry in Mauritius

• 23 years experience in the International Cell Captive Insurance industry.

• Independent Non Executive Director of Cell Insurance Company Ltd

• Chairman of Finance Committee of Cell Insurance Company Ltd

• Member of the FSC’s Insurance Committee in Mauritius

• Member of ACCA UK

Paul has gained experience in various departments at GIB Insurance Brokers over the years with the main focus on Mining and Large Corporates, honing his skills in various roles.

Paul’s Mining experience spans 10 years in which time he has gained significant experienced in all aspects in mining, processing and beneficiation of various minerals. Paul has led the GIB team in settling large complex mining claims.

Paul has gained valuable experience working and successfully placing Risks in the London and European Insurance Markets.

Paul joined GIB Insurance Brokers in January 2014.

Mark began his Insurance Career in 2014 with GIB Personal Lines, handling Underwriting.

Mark joined GIB Risk Solutions as an Internal Broker and soon moved into the role of a Client Executive in 2015.  Since then, he began working specifically on the African Global Networks where GIB participates, these Networks include WBN, FUNK Alliance, Assurex Alliance, WBN, Jiang Tai, Leue and Nill.

In 2021 Mark was appointed as the Head of Corporate Internal Broking within the GIB Corporate services division while continuing his work on the Global Networks. His role at GIB has evolved to Chief Operating Officer.

Jared Nivison is the Managing Director of iTOO Renew Risk, Africa’s first and only niche Underwriting Manager dedicated exclusively to insuring renewable energy projects. With over two decades of experience in renewable energy insurance, Jared has played a pivotal role in developing underwriting solutions tailored to the unique risks of utility-scale solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects across South Africa and the broader continent.

Under his leadership, iTOO Renew Risk has formed exclusive partnerships with leading international reinsurers including GCube, Axis Capital, Markel, and RSA, offering combined project capacity of up to USD 500 million. Jared and his team provide cradle-to-grave insurance solutions, including Construction All Risks, Operational All Risks, and Advanced Loss of Profits cover, ensuring developers, lenders, and brokers receive comprehensive, fit-for-purpose protection.

Jared’s deep industry knowledge and technical underwriting expertise have positioned iTOO Renew Risk as a trusted partner in the renewable energy space, particularly under the South African REIPPPP programme. He is passionate about advancing the clean energy transition through robust, specialised risk management and underwriting strategies.

Lwando Cwane is the Cyber Underwriting Team Lead and Product Champion for Commercial Cyber at iTOO Special Risks, where he is responsible for the strategic development, portfolio management, marketing, and thought leadership of iTOO’s Cyber offering. He also plays a key role in training and mentoring the next generation of cyber underwriters within the business.

With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Lwando has built deep expertise across multiple Financial Lines products, including Cyber Liability, Directors & Officers Liability, Commercial Crime, and Professional Indemnity. Prior to joining iTOO, he served as a Financial Lines Underwriter at AIG, handling complex liability risks for both local and multinational clients.

An active voice in the African cyber insurance space, Lwando regularly speaks at leading industry conferences on the evolving cyber risk landscape and the critical role of risk management in today’s digital economy. He brings a client-focused and solutions-driven approach to underwriting, ensuring that iTOO’s Cyber proposition remains innovative and relevant in a fast-changing market.

Lwando holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Marketing and Management from the University of the Witwatersrand

Cecile has over 25 years insurance experience and is the primary contact for French multinational clients. She is an expert in multiple lines of insurance including Directors’ and Officers’ liability and Property and Casualty Insurance. After gaining a master's degree in Finance, Banking and Insurance, Cecile began her career at Lloyd's Insurance Broker Morgan Read & Coleman. Subsequently Cecile joined Verspieren to be responsible for the senior corporate international account management of multinational clients. Cecile was a major drive behind Verspieren International network’s building and development. Since 2021, she has been leading all international matters within the Verspieren Group.

Simon has over 20 years’ insurance experience. He is recognised as one of the leading London market and International experts in the Financial and Professional Risks sector. Simon leads Gallagher Specialty’s management liability, cyber, financial institutions and professional risks teams.  His knowledge, capability and experience in the London and international insurance markets has led to many clients achieving significant premium savings and/or enhancements to their policy coverage, ensuring clients receive risk solutions and protection to cater for risks they encounter within the modern business environment.

Simon is responsible for overseeing the insurance procurement process and the provision of support services for Gallagher’s key clients covering Professional Indemnity, Medical Malpractice and Cyber insurances. This includes the relationship with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Simon is also actively involved in the broking of business within his business unit and is central figurehead in the development and implementation of business pitches. Simon has a long-standing career at Gallagher and joined through the acquisition of Heath Lambert in 2011. Prior to this appointment, Simon was Managing Director of Professional Risks.

Jurie is the CEO of GIB Group, a leading private insurance and financial services group in South Africa with an extensive international and Africa network.

Jurie is the former CEO of Marsh Africa where he oversaw the firm’s interest in sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to Marsh, he served as the CEO of Alexander Forbes Risk and Insurance Services. After Marsh’s acquisition of Alexander Forbes Risk and Insurance Services he was appointed as CEO of the combined business and responsible for the successful integration of these two very substantial companies

In addition to GIB Group, Jurie serves on a number of boards in a non-executive capacity, in and outside of the insurance industry.

Jurie started his career in insurance at Old Mutual Group before being appointed to the Graduate Trainee Programme at Alexander Forbes in Stellenbosch in 1989.  He has extensive managerial and leadership experience and has in excess of 33 years’ experience in both the regional and international insurance industries.

Jurie holds a degree in Economics from the University of Stellenbosch and is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and South Africa. He has completed various Advanced Management and Executive Leadership Development programmes.

Wide of work, Jurie enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle, participating in many sport activities and outdoor adventures.

Tracy completed her LLB at Wits University and joined the Automobile Association as Legal Advisor in 1993. She started her Insurance Career when she joined Investec Insurance Brokers in 1995 where she fulfilled various roles including Account Executive and Commercial Division Manager. In 2006 Tracy joined Thebe Risk Services as an Account Executive handling strategic accounts. Tracy was the Manager of the Johannesburg Commercial Branch when she left to join an Independent Broker in 2006 as a Director, responsible for Corporate and Commercial Clients.

Tracy joined GIB Insurance Brokers in 2011 as General Manager – Technical Services responsible for Technical, Legal and Global Networks and became the Managing Director of the Risk Solutions Division in 2018. Tracy’s current role is that of Chief Operating Officer of GIB Insurance Brokers, responsible for Claims, Compliance, Transformation, Systems and Strategic Stakeholder Relationships (Clients, Insurers & Network Partners).

Kathleen started her career in 2008 as a Legal Assistant and in 2009 she moved to Mustofin Insurance Brokers in their Personal Lines Division. 

In 2012 Kathleen joined Aon Insurance Brokers Personal Lines Division, she was transferred to their Commercial Lines Division in 2014, providing a service to various Small Medium Enterprise Clients.

In 2018 Kathleen was transferred to Aon’s Sports Recreation and Entertainment Division where she gained experience on Strategic and Niche Accounts.

Kathleen joined GIB Insurance Brokers Film and Entertainment Department in December 2018 as an Internal Broker assisting and supporting with Portfolio’s of Major Clients. Kathleen’s role is currently that of Client Executive responsible for managing a portfolio of film & entertainment clients.

Thamsanqa began his Insurance Career in 2006 and has moved through each area in to further his Insurance knowledge of every Class of Cover.  Areas worked at GIB include Commercial, Corporate Portfolios and Underwriting.

Thamsanqa has been servicing Accounts in the Role of Senior Account Executive for the past 6 years. 

Thamsanqa’s Portfolio has included amongst others, Rand Water with Asset Value of +R100 Billion, Large Motor Fleet, Combined Commercial Liability of R500 million, alternative risk transfer, and other products. He also works on large mining accounts and engineering portfolios that are placed locally, through Africa and Internationally in different Classes of Insurance including but not limited to Contractors All Risks, Financial Lines, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity.

Thamsanqa joined GIB Insurance Brokers on the 1 March 2018.

Bonolo started her journey at GIB in 2013, where she was employed at GIB Financial Services as a Consultant’s Assistant, and got promoted to a Risk Administrator in 2014 and stayed there till 2019. Thereon Bonolo took an exciting career shift and moved to GIB Insurance Brokers as Project Manager. Her role has since evolved to Empower Manager which is an internal department that is a document, content, and thought leadership production hub, where her and her team work closely with the business alongside Operations, Marketing and the various divisional leaders.

Joined Funk Gruppe in 2005

Prior Experience

• Aon Jauch & Hübener Hamburg

• Head of Team and Key Account Manager Industrial Clients

• Wesselhöft Ahlers & Schües Hamburg und Berlin

• Key Account Manager, Head of China Desk and Branch Manager Berlin office

Expertise

Peter has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance business. In his current role, he works as Director and is the Head of Funk Alliance Division.

Peter oversees and manages a team of insurance and risk management professionals and has many years of experi-ence in supervising international operating key accounts.

His business expertise includes the placement of interna-tional insurance programs worldwide, the coordination of the broker network for global clients and he owns expertise in various insurance markets worldwide.

Peter has excellent skills in all business lines with focus on international insurance programs and extensive knowledge of national and international insurance concepts.

Education

Chartered Insurer

Professional Affiliations

Rotary Club of Bad Segeberg

With 27 years experience, Tanya Van der Westhuizen heads up the Renewable Energy Division, based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tanya joined Marsh Africa in 1999 from insurers and has been involved with a wide variety of clients during this time. She is specialized in Renewable Energy insurance placements and is dedicated to a number of clients who have developed projects in South Africa, since the Establishment of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program in 2012.

The client include local and multinational clients within South Africa as well as the Africa continent.

Frik is an experienced risk and insurance adviser, capable of performing a diverse range of roles which include delivering value added business solutions around insurance risk management and risk process management, risk identification, evaluation, control and transfer design as well as product and program implementation.

Frik further has significant experience in business development and been involved in implementing Enterprise Risk Management programs for companies in various industries i.e. Agriculture, Retail, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Renewable Energy and Logistics to name a few.

Frik is a confident negotiator and has a successful track record in managing core insurance related matters. He is a passionate and positive individual and enjoys developing individuals to achieve their true potential.

Frik’s qualifications include an Advanced Programmed in Risk Management and has been a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of South Africa since 2013.

Refilwe started her career as a Graduate Trainee and thereafter promoted to Client Service Advisor.

She has gained experience over the past three years by being involved in various roles such as Client Service Advisor / Internal Broker by providing service to various Corporate Clients in the Film and Entertainment Division.

Refilwe joined GIB Insurance Brokers as an Internal Broker of Film and Entertainment in January 2021. Her role at GIB has since evolved to Client Executive.

Justin is a qualified actuary with a distinguished career spanning innovation and R&D, proposition development, strategic planning and the structuring of commercial partnerships. With deep expertise in behavioural economics and incentive design, he has a proven track record of driving shared value across insurance and partner ecosystems.

His 15 years of experience span both the UK and South African markets, and he is passionate about building purpose-driven ventures, particularly in healthcare and wellness. Justin currently serves as the Chief Product Officer and interim CEO at Unisure, where he continues to lead with vision and impact.

Justin has held several senior positions, including:

• Product lead for the Discovery Vitality Innovation Lab in South Africa

• Head of the Vitality programme for Vitality Insurance in the UK

• Founder, CEO, and Director of a family office spin-out venture – Biscuit Pet Care – a Behavioural Based Wellness Platform for Pets

• Chief Product Officer (and interim CEO) for the Unisure Group

Koketso Shabalala is the Underwriting Head for Construction and Africa at SHA Risk Specialists, a division of Santam. He holds a B comm from the University of Johannesburg and a Certificate in insurance from Insurance Institute of London.

Koketso has been in the insurance industry for 15 years having worked for two multi-national insurers in the Construction and Engineering departments and also spent 3 years as a Senior Broker in the construction department for an international insurance brokerage.

Koketso has been with SHA for close to 4 years and is currently responsible for General Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance for companies in the construction industry. As part of his role, he is also responsible for business development for SHA across the African continent.

Bukhosi Sibanda is the Managing Director of Hollard Seguros (Insurance) Moçambique, where he transformed the company from fourth largest to market-leading GI insurer in Mozambique. With over 20 years of insurance experience across Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, Bukhosi has consistently delivered transformational growth and operational excellence. His expertise spans strategic leadership, market development, and stakeholder management in emerging African markets. His achievements include leading the integration of ICE Seguros in 2021 and now in the middle of integrating Global Alliance.

The acquisitions include the infrastructure for global and international partnerships that provides a single gateway into Hollard International licenses across Africa. Regional and international insurance brokers are able to place business with Hollard International  countries through the Global HUB that is housed in Hollard Mozambique.

Bukhosi holds a degree in Insurance and Risk Management, MBA and An Advanced Diploma with CII.

Tyrelle Correa is the National Business Development Marketer at Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists, a division of Santam. In this role, Tyrelle delivers comprehensive insurance solutions across engineering risks throughout Africa. With 14 years of experience across the reinsurance and insurance industry.

Tyrelle is known for his expertise in servicing large and complex risks. Handling some of the continents largest risks both as an underwriter and a Reinsurance broker.

As a trusted voice and industry advocate, he serves as Ambassador: Education on the 2025 Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) Council. He also is the head of leadership and mentorship on Santam Young Professionals network.

Denise Hatting, the visionary Founder and Managing Director of KEU Underwriting Managers, is a distinguished leader in the Entertainment & Specialised Insurance sector. With a career ignited by passion in 1996, Denise quickly rose to lead the Entertainment Division within just two years, identifying a critical need for specialized risk understanding in the entertainment and events industry. This insight propelled her to establish KEU Underwriting Managers in 2001.

Under Denise's astute leadership, KEU has blossomed into a firm celebrated for its expertise, commitment to excellence, and unwavering client dedication. Her leadership philosophy, rooted in deep industry knowledge, a calm and strategic approach, and meticulous attention to detail, ensures clients receive unparalleled risk management solutions. Denise is also passionate about mentoring teams, fostering innovation, and cultivating robust client relationships. Her ongoing mission is to solidify KEU's position as a trusted leader in underwriting, consistently delivering tailored insurance solutions that genuinely safeguard clients' most valuable assets.