SAUMA announced the appointment of its new chairperson - Rory Gainsford

Rory Gainsford

Rory, is the Executive Chairman of Hospitality Industrial & Commercial Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd (HIC) and Thatch Risk Acceptances (Pty) Ltd (TRA), is taking over from Tersia Davey of One Commercial Investment Holdings, who has been in the chair for the past four years.

Rory is honoured to be have been elected by the SAUMA board members and is looking forward to an exciting 2012. “In my position as Chairman, I will most certainly try and build on the excellent work done by our former chairperson. Tersia, who has laid a solid foundation for the association to go from strength to strength, and grow an even stronger voice in the industry,” he said.

Rory has 40 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He is currently serving on several boards, including SAUMA, MUA Insurance Acceptances (Pty) Ltd, Hospitality Industrial & Commercial Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd, Thatch Risk Acceptances (Pty) Ltd and Specialised Underwriting Managers Holdings (Pty) Ltd. His insurance career started in 1970 with National Employers General.

Tersia, said it was a privilege to be the first female chairperson of SAUMA. In future, she would like to see even more women on the Board. “I am also proud of achievements such as the introduction of our quarterly newsletter and our annual conference. During my reign, we also strengthened our relationships with industry bodies such as the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), the Financial Intermediary Association (FIA), the Financial Services Board (FSB) and Short-term Insurance Ombudsman. “I would like to see the Board keep up the momentum in future,” Tersia concluded.

Rory’s appointment will take effect on 22 November 2011.