Lizelle van der Merwe announced as SAIA's new Chief Executive Officer

Johannesburg - The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Lizelle van der Merwe as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 4 January 2027.

Ms van der Merwe, currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA), succeeds Ms Viviene Pearson, who will retire on 31 December 2026 after more than two decades of dedicated service to SAIA and the non-life insurance industry.

Ms van der Merwe brings 29 years’ experience in the insurance and financial services sectors, having begun her career in 1996. Her professional journey spans insurance and brokerage services, where she developed extensive expertise in sales, strategy development and execution, and organisational management, before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of FIA in 2016.

Her industry involvement extends to several governance and policy structures. She serves as a Board member of the Financial Sector Transformation Council (FSTC), represents the industry on Business Unity South Africa's (BUSA) Social, Economic and Trade Policy committees, and is an Executive Council member of the World Federation of Insurance Intermediaries (WFII).

Ms van der Merwe holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and various qualifications in Sales and Financial Management. She is an Associate Member of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA).

Welcoming the appointment, SAIA Chairperson Mr Danie Matthee congratulated Ms van der Merwe and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Association into its next chapter.

“On behalf of the SAIA Board, I extend our warm congratulations to Lizelle on her appointment. Her extensive industry experience, proven leadership and understanding of the financial services landscape will be invaluable as SAIA continues to advance its strategic priorities and strengthen its role as the representative voice of South Africa's non-life insurance industry.”

“We look forward to working closely with her as we navigate an increasingly complex risk environment, strengthen collaboration with our stakeholders and advance initiatives that contribute to the resilience, growth and long-term sustainability of the non-life insurance industry,” said Matthee.

Matthee also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Viviene Pearson, acknowledging her longstanding leadership and significant contribution to SAIA and the broader industry.

“On behalf of the Board and SAIA's membership, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Viviene for her exceptional dedication, leadership and service over the years. Her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the non-life insurance industry, to fostering constructive stakeholder relationships and strengthening SAIA's standing as a respected industry body has left an enduring legacy.”

“We thank Viviene for her invaluable contribution and wish her every happiness and fulfilment as she embarks on this new chapter of her life,” said Matthee.