Altrisk Announces New MD Appointment

Long-term risk product provider, Altrisk, today announced that outgoing managing director Craig Harding will hand over the reins to Michael Blain, former CEO of Centriq Insurance, effective as of 1 May 2012.

Altrisk announced late last year that Craig Harding, who had been MD for six years, would be taking on a non-executive role in the company to allow him time to pursue other business interests. He will remain on the Altrisk board and retain a shareholding in Altrisk.

Michael Blain joins Altrisk after 11 years with Centriq, of which the last seven years were as CEO. He is credited with playing a fundamental role in establishing Centriq as a leader in the niche market segment in which it operates and for the strong increase in gross premium levels under his leadership. Blain led the company through the merger and integration of then Nova Risk and Santam Risk Finance in 2005, to create Centriq in 2006. During his tenure at Centriq, he established a respected business which grew rapidly and entrenched a brand reputation for integrity, trusted relationships and innovation.

“I’m honoured to take up the challenge and opportunity to work with Altrisk, an organisation that has grown phenomenally on the back of entrepreneurial spirit, a niche focus and doing the right thing for consumers. I have immense respect for the vast intellect that resides in the Altrisk team and I am excited to have the opportunity to help define the future focus and growth strategy of the business. I believe there is a growing market for a trusted provider like Altrisk that places clients first above all else. It’s a brand that defies convention in delivering innovative products and it has the track record to back it up,” says Blain.

Altrisk was established in 1999 by Dalene Allen and Nick Stern, with the backing of the Hollard Group and Hannover Life Re.

Co-founders Dalene Allen and Nick Stern added: “Michael’s appointment to role of MD is a great win for Altrisk. The company has grown tremendously since its inception in 1999 to cover 130000 lives today and has many industry firsts behind its name. We believe that Michael brings with him the great vision and vast experience needed to take Altrisk to new levels in a highly competitive and changing industry, while preserving the culture and values that have successfully differentiated the brand.”