Executive Leadership changes at the Garrun Group

Cliff Garrun and Vaughan Jones

As of 1 June 2022, key changes have been made to the executive leadership of the Garrun Group as it positions itself for the next phase of its strategic journey. Focusing on commercial, personal and specialist insurance, the Garrun Group was established over 60 years ago and is one of South Africa’s largest independent insurance intermediaries, with regional representation across South Africa.

The changes will see Cliff Garrun transition to the role of Chairman of the Group with Vaughan Jones being appointed as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer. Vaughan is a partner and co-founder of private equity Group, Calibrate, which acquired a stake in the Garrun Group in 2019.

“Over the last 60 years Cliff, and his late father Manny, have taken this business from a small suburban brokerage to one of the largest independent insurance intermediaries in South Africa and I am incredibly proud to play my part in leading this Group in its next chapter. I have been fortunate to work closely with Cliff over the past two years in my various roles on the Garrun Board, and as I step in as CEO, this dynamic between us will remain and he will continue to be a presence and force in our business in his new role as chairman of the board” says Vaughan.

With over 42 years of experience in the short-term insurance industry, Cliff envisioned the future relevance of the full-service broker model combining the highest level of technical advice and personalised service that has underpinned the Group’s growth. Cliff will continue to focus on the Group’s strategy and build on the strong partnerships Garrun enjoys with its insurers and branches around the country.

On Vaughan’s appointment, Cliff stated “VJ’s executive experience and demonstrated track record in the industry make him an ideal appointment to lead our Group in the next phase of its strategic journey.”

A key component of Garrun’s strategy going forward is the rollout of its broker services business which will offer first-in-class back office, binder and technical support services for its current and future branch network. The broker services platform will also be positioned as a key value proposition to its incoming broker partners as the Group looks to conclude several key acquisitions in the coming year.