Sanlam Group announces change at Group Executive Committee

Johan van der Merwe.

Robert Roux.

The Sanlam Group today announced that Johan van der Merwe will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Investments and be succeeded by Robert Roux, currently Chief Operating Officer of Sanlam Investments, with effect from 1 November 2015.

Van der Merwe, CA (SA), is credited with having achieved sustained success during his tenure of close to 14 years and for the substantial value he has contributed to the Sanlam Group. As part of the business succession and continuity planning, Van der Merwe will remain on the Sanlam Investments Board as a non-executive director and will also continue to serve on a number of other subsidiary boards in a non-executive capacity.

Roux, CA (SA), was appointed in his role as Chief Operating Officer in 2005 and has worked alongside Van der Merwe on key strategic matters. Roux will form part of the Sanlam Group Executive Committee and will report to Sanlam Group Chief Executive Officer Ian Kirk.

Kirk commented: “While these changes are effective from 1 November, Johan has agreed to stay on till 31 January 2016 to ensure a seamless handover to Robert. Thereafter, the relationship with Johan will be an ongoing one as he will still serve in a non-executive capacity. He will therefore remain closely associated with the Sanlam Group.”

“On behalf of the Board I wish to thank Johan for his contribution since June 2002 and congratulate Robert on his new position. I look forward to his valuable contribution,” Kirk said.