The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) has appointed Lizelle van der Merwe (pictured) as its next chief executive, effective 4 January 2027.
Van der Merwe, who has led the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA) since November 2016, will succeed Viviene Pearson, who retires on 31 December 2026 after more than two decades of service to SAIA and the non-life insurance industry.
Van der Merwe has spent nearly three decades in insurance and financial services, building her career in sales, business development, and strategic leadership.
Before joining the FIA as CEO, she was head of sales at the Fulcrum Group, overseeing sales for Fulcrum Collections, Fulcrum Finance, and Fulcrum Treasury. She previously worked as new business development manager at Insure Group Managers, where she was responsible for premium collections revenue and national sales, and as a sales executive at Genasys Technologies. Earlier in her career, she spent seven years at Insurance Outsourcing Managers, progressing from sales consultant to sales manager.
Her career has combined commercial experience with industry representation. As FIA CEO, she has led an association representing financial intermediaries and engaged with regulatory, policy, and transformation issues affecting the advice profession.
Van der Merwe holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from Henley Business School and a Diploma in Marketing Management from Damelin. She also holds insurance qualifications from the Insurance Institute of South Africa, including a Higher Certificate in Insurance. She is an associate member of the Institute.
Van der Merwe’s last day as FIA CEO will be 31 December 2026, bringing her decade at the association to a close.
In a LinkedIn post reflecting on her departure from the FIA, Van der Merwe described her decade at the association as “the best 10 years” and said: “It remains a privilege to serve this remarkable industry.” She added that she was looking forward to the next chapter with SAIA.
SAIA welcomes appointment
SAIA chairperson Danie Matthee welcomed the appointment, citing Van der Merwe’s industry experience, proven leadership, and understanding of the financial services sector.
“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,” he said.
Matthee said the association looked forward to working with Van der Merwe as the industry navigated an increasingly complex risk environment, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and pursued initiatives to support its resilience, growth, and long-term sustainability.
He also paid tribute to Pearson’s contribution to SAIA. “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,” Matthee said.
