Heinrich Punt to lead SanlamConnect as Chief Executive
SanlamConnect - Sanlam’s business for professional, relationship driven financial advice and planning - has appointed Heinrich Punt as Chief Executive, effective 1 April 2026.
The internal leadership move reinforces continuity for the business and supports Sanlam's broader Retail Affluent strategy.
The appointment forms part of the broader evolution of Sanlam Life and Savings (SLS) as it adapts its structure, digital capabilities and leadership to support a more integrated, client centric way of operating. The shift includes new capabilities in credit, banking, and rewards to better serve clients more holistically.
Punt succeeds Jean Lombard, who will now lead Sanlam’s Retail Affluent comprising SanlamConnect, Glacier, Sanlam Risk and Savings, and Strategic Initiatives.
Lombard says, "Heinrich is a highly respected leader who understands our business, our intermediary market and the opportunities ahead. He brings deep operational and strategic knowledge, strong continuity, and a genuine understanding of the adviser models that are central to SanlamConnect.
Punt has been with Sanlam for 26 years, most recently as General Manager of the Intermediaries business. Before that, he led Enterprises, the business unit responsible for the group’s enterprise, partner and outsourced distribution models.
He started his career as a chartered accountant before moving into the financial planning environment, where he earned his CFP designation.
He has also been closely involved in shaping SanlamConnect's long-term 2030 strategic priorities, which will continue under his leadership.
"SanlamConnect plays an important role in helping intermediaries serve clients in an increasingly connected financial-services environment," says Punt. "Our focus remains on building a stronger, more integrated ecosystem that makes it easier for advisers to deliver value to clients while supporting sustainable growth across the business.
He says “The future of financial services is both digital and deeply human. Clients want connected, accessible services, while continuing to rely on professional judgement to interpret complexity and long term trade offs. The redesign of Sanlam’s operating model and scaling of integrated solutions through digital platforms, means we are bringing digital engagement and adviser insight together within a more connected financial experience. I look forward to working with our teams and intermediary partners as we build on the momentum already under way."
