Elite Risk appoints new Executive
Leadership transition follows Tarina Vlok’s retirement
Elite Risk, a leading high net worth insurer and subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure, today announced the appointment of Tandiwe Cimela as its new leader, effective 1 April 2026. Cimela, who takes on the title of Executive, will succeed Tarina Vlok, co-founder and Managing Director of Elite Risk, who retires at the end of March 2026.
The appointment follows a considered succession process aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained leadership in the high-net-worth segment. As a result, the transition is expected to be seamless, with continued focus on delivering exceptional client and broker experiences.
Since joining Elite Risk in 2022 as its Chief Operations Officer, Cimela has played an instrumental role in strengthening Elite’s operational foundation, enhancing governance, and improving service delivery. She contributed significantly to reinforcing Elite’s position as a specialist provider in the high-net-worth market.
“I am honoured to take on this role and to build on the legacy that has been established. Elite has a strong reputation in the high-net-worth market, and I am excited to lead the business into its next phase of growth,” said Cimela. “I look forward to working closely with our teams, brokers and partners to continue delivering innovative, client-centred solutions and an exceptional service experience.”
Cimela brings nearly two decades of experience across the short-term insurance value chain. Her career, which began in Marine and Liability in 2007, spans bancassurance, broker environments, insurer operations, cell captives, as well as regulatory and business engagements across the Rest of Africa.
Commenting on the appointment, Vlok said she is confident in the leadership transition.
“It has been a privilege to build and lead Elite, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. Tandiwe brings a deep understanding of the business, strong leadership capability and a clear commitment to excellence,” said Vlok. “She has been a key part of our journey in recent years, and I have every confidence that she will continue to strengthen Elite’s position and lead the business successfully into its next chapter.”
Vlok retires after playing a pivotal role in establishing Elite as a trusted, specialist offering in the high-net-worth segment. As one of the architects of the business’s original value proposition, she has been instrumental in shaping its distinctive reputation and strengthening its broker partnerships. Under her leadership, Elite successfully navigated a period of significant market and climate volatility, while maintaining its hallmark quality and client focus.
Nicholas Dempsey, Executive at Old Mutual Insure, added that Old Mutual Insure extends its sincere gratitude to Vlok for her outstanding leadership, commitment and contribution, and wishes her every success in her retirement.
“We are grateful to Tarina for her outstanding vision and contribution to the success of Elite into the high calibre business it is today. She leaves an exceptional legacy. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Tandiwe into her new role. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our position in the high-net-worth segment,” concluded Dempsey.
