Santam Syndicate 1918, a Lloyd’s syndicate within the Santam Group, Africa’s largest non-life insurer, has strengthened its underwriting team with the appointment of two experienced London Market professionals.
The company has recruited Neil Smith to establish and lead its International Motor offering, while Stephen Kiedish has joined as Senior Underwriter in the Property division.
The appointments form part of Santam Syndicate 1918’s ongoing investment in specialist underwriting expertise as the company continues to broaden its capabilities across a range of classes of business.
According to the company, the new hires also support its long-term growth plans by reinforcing its focus on technical underwriting expertise and sustainable, profitable growth.
In his new role, Smith will oversee the development of Santam Syndicate 1918’s International Motor portfolio, shaping underwriting strategy, managing portfolio performance and identifying opportunities for disciplined expansion. He will also work closely with brokers and Coverholders to strengthen the company’s presence across key international markets.
Kiedish has joined Santam Syndicate 1918’s Property team, where he will be responsible for enhancing the company’s Property underwriting capabilities while supporting the continued growth and diversification of its portfolio.
Sam Geddes, CEO of Santam Syndicate 1918, commented: “We are delighted to welcome both Neil and Stephen to the Syndicate. They bring exceptional technical capability, strong market reputations and extensive experience within their respective Classes of Business. Their appointments significantly strengthen the depth of our underwriting team and will be highly beneficial for our clients, brokers and Coverholders.”
Smith joins Santam Syndicate 1918 with more than 30 years of experience in International Motor underwriting. Throughout his career, he has specialised in building and managing profitable motor portfolios across a range of international markets. Most recently, he served as Managing Director, International Motor, at Volante Global, where he led the development of specialist motor portfolios and delegated underwriting solutions across multiple territories.
Prior to joining Volante Global, Smith held senior underwriting positions at QBE Insurance, Ensign Motor Policies and Torch Motor Policies. According to Santam Syndicate 1918, he has extensive expertise in delegated authority business, portfolio management and underwriting complex and specialist motor risks.
Kiedish joins Santam Syndicate 1918 with more than two decades of experience in the insurance sector. Before taking up his new role, he was Managing Director, Affinity Solutions, at Volante Global Syndicate 1699, where he was responsible for developing and managing the syndicate’s affinity portfolio.
Earlier in his career, Kiedish held senior underwriting roles at Sportscover, ProSight Syndicate 1110, AEGIS London Syndicate 1225 and QBE Europe, having started his career at RSA.
