Santam Syndicate 1918 launches International Motor offering and expands Property team

Santam Syndicate 1918 (“the Syndicate”), part of the Santam Group, Africa’s largest non-life insurer, is pleased to announce the appointment of two senior London Market professionals to its expanding team.

Neil Smith joins to lead the Syndicate’s entry into the International Motor market, while Stephen Kiedish has been appointed as Senior Underwriter within the Property team.

Smith will be responsible for developing and managing the Syndicate’s International Motor portfolio, setting underwriting strategy, driving portfolio performance and supporting disciplined, profitable growth. His remit includes strengthening broker and Coverholder relationships across key international territories. Kiedish will focus on building and enhancing the Syndicate’s Property capability, with responsibility for further developing and diversifying the Property portfolio.

These appointments underline the Syndicate’s continued investment in specialist underwriting expertise as it builds out its capabilities across multiple Classes of Business. Together, they reinforce Santam’s long term growth strategy and its commitment to disciplined underwriting and technical excellence.

Sam Geddes, CEO of Santam Syndicate 1918, commented: “We are delighted to welcome both Neil and Stephen to the Syndicate. They bring exceptional technical capability, strong market reputations and extensive experience within their respective Classes of Business. Their appointments significantly strengthen the depth of our underwriting team and will be highly beneficial for our clients, brokers and Coverholders.”

Smith brings more than 30 years of International Motor underwriting experience, specialising in the development and management of profitable motor portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. He joins from Volante Global, where he served as Managing Director, International Motor, leading the build out of specialist motor portfolios and delegated underwriting solutions across a broad range of markets. Prior to this, he held senior motor underwriting roles at QBE Insurance, Ensign Motor Policies and Torch Motor Policies. He is widely recognised for his expertise in delegated authority business, portfolio management and underwriting complex and niche motor risks.

Kiedish joins the Syndicate with more than 20 years of industry experience. Most recently, he served as Managing Director, Affinity Solutions at Volante Global Syndicate 1699, where he oversaw the development and management of affinity business. His previous roles include senior underwriting positions at Sportscover, ProSight Syndicate 1110, AEGIS London Syndicate 1225 and QBE Europe, having begun his career at RSA.