Sanlam Developing Markets has announced the appointment of Gerhard Maree, a well-respected professional in the insurance industry, as chief executive officer of Channel4Life – Channel4Life is a network marketing specialist company and subsidiary of Sanlam Developing Markets’ Channel Life division. Maree joined Channel4Life on 1 November 2010.
Heinie Werth, chief executive officer of Sanlam Developing Markets says, “Gerhard is an exceptional executive with more than 20 years experience in the successful and rapid growth of multi-divisional financial services companies. We are pleased to have Gerhard on board to take Channel4Life to the next level.”
After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing at the University of Pretoria, Maree took over the family business, Tremo Baby Foods (Pty) Ltd, which was founded by his father. Maree successfully ran the family business until he was called up for military service. While doing his military service he was seconded to the SA Police Insurance Fund and after completing his military service in 1984 he was permanently employed as an accountant at the fund. Maree seized the opportunity and played a major role in turning SA Police Insurance Fund into a fully fledged life insurance company, now known as Assupol Life.
Maree left Assupol Life in 1999 and moved to Johannesburg where he founded Jeffcott Investments (Pty) Ltd and Leaderguard Holdings (Pty) Ltd. The move to Johannesburg also triggered Maree’s passion for property development, specifically restoring historic old mansions. Some of his favourite projects included the buying and restoration of: The “Moni Mansion” formerly owned by Mr. Moni one of the founding members of Fatti’s & Moni’s, The Cullinan House formerly owned by Sir Cullinan and the Julius Feinstein residence in Saxonwold.
In 2007 Maree was instrumental in establishing Covision Life - the first fully black owned direct life insurer in South Africa. Shortly following the launch of Covision Life he introduced the Multi-Level Marketing division of this company called Prozpa Network. Maree left Covision Life as Deputy CEO in 2010 and joined the Sanlam Group as Chief Executive of Channel4Life.
Maree says his appointment as chief executive is a huge milestone in taking Channel4Life forward as a national brand. “I am looking forward to introducing a new era in the life cycle of Channel4Life, my goal will be to engage in a constructive and meaningful manner with each and every strategic partner involved with our brand.”
Maree says Channel4Life will relaunch Channel4Life as part of the Sanlam Group. “The rebranding exercise will allow us to make some positive changes and to engage with our clients and business partners with renewed vigour and passion. We plan to become the multi-level marketing company of choice in South Africa. “
Get the latest issue of FAnews