Read more
Iain Williamson joined Old Mutual in 1993, and was appointed CEO in 2020.
Former Sanlam CEO, Jurie Strydom (left) appointed as Old Mutual CEO following Iain Williamson (right) decision to take early retirement after being at the company for 32 years. Pictures: Old Mutual website
Old Mutual’s board of directors have selected former CEO of Sanlam Life and Savings, Jurie Strydom, as its next CEO.
His appointment comes after Iain Williamson’s decision to leave his seat as CEO after more than three decades at Old Mutual. He has been CEO for the past five years.
Old Mutual announced that Strydom will serve as a CEO designate, alongside Williamson, until May 30, 2025. He will commence his duties as CEO, effective June 1, 2025, following the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Jurie Strydom for CEO
Old Mutual said that Strydom will serve as a CEO designate to ensure a smooth, managed, and rapid transition of executive authority.
He holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a qualified Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) as certified by the CFA Institute in the United States.
Strydom has previously held roles, including CEO of Sanlam Life and Savings, Regent Insurance Group, and Alexander Forbes Life, and was executive director at Imperial Holdings.
“He is a fintech investor and the Chairman of FSPHub as well as the Chairman of Common Good, a not-for-profit company that creates transformational opportunities for underprivileged communities in the areas of early childhood support, education and employment.”
ALSO READ: ‘We don’t want a statement, we want you to pay’: Old Mutual still under fire from customers
Why Strydom as CEO
Old Mutual said FSPHub currently does not conduct business with the group, and Strydom intends to step down from the FSPHub board to focus on his new role as CEO.
“The board was looking for an experienced financial services CEO with strategic grip, an exceptional operational track record, and who had led diverse teams, driven successful transformation, and understood financial technology – and we found someone who ticked these boxes.
“He is highly regarded in the industry as a leader who can deliver operational efficiencies, disciplined capital allocation, and continue implementing the financial technology and product innovations that serve our clients and business partners. As CEO, his well-established network of strategic relationships will continue to benefit Old Mutual,” said Chairman of the Old Mutual Board Trevor.
Iain Williamson leaves the CEO seat
55-year-old Williamson will continue as a board director until the conclusion of the AGM and then remain available to advise and support the CEO and the board until his retirement on 31 August 2025.
He announced he would be taking early retirement earlier this year after joining the financial services giant in 1993.
“Williamson has been a true leader, consistently stepping up to provide calm and firm direction whenever the Company faced challenges or while the country was in crisis, as happened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Under his leadership, Old Mutual has become a strong, resilient, and innovative company that embraces new technology and is expanding into new areas of financial services and banking. We thank and recognise Iain for his leadership over many years, and for his continued support for Old Mutual,” said Manuel.
NOW READ: Leadership instability continues at Absa and Exxaro: What is wrong?
Download our app
