Santam Syndicate 1918, the Lloyd’s platform of Santam Group, which states that it is Africa’s largest non-life insurer, has announced the appointment of Sam Geddes as Chief Executive Officer, he will be based in London and report to Gareth Beaver, Chief Executive Officer of Santam Specialist Solutions.
Santam Syndicate 1918 said Geddes joins the business with more than 25 years of experience in the Lloyd’s and international insurance markets. He arrives from MS Amlin, where he most recently served as Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Reinsurance, Partnerships, and Portfolio and Exposure Management.
Throughout his career, Geddes has held a range of senior underwriting and leadership positions. According to Santam Syndicate 1918, these have included roles as Head of Property and Allied Lines at MS Amlin, Deputy Active Underwriter and Head of Property at Everest Syndicate 2786, and Underwriting Director for Kiln Syndicate 510 in Asia. He has also held several leadership positions within the US insurance market.
Santam Syndicate 1918 said the appointment forms part of its ongoing expansion at Lloyd’s and reflects the next stage of the Syndicate’s development. In his new role, Geddes will be responsible for leading the business through its next phase of growth, with an emphasis on strengthening its position within the Lloyd’s market while supporting Santam Group’s FutureFit 2030 strategy for international growth and diversification.
The company also confirmed that Rob Vetch, who has held the positions of interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will continue as CFO following Geddes’ appointment.
Santam Syndicate 1918 noted that it has continued to build out its underwriting team since launching. Recent additions include Nigel Tatlock, who was appointed Head of Property in April 2026, while further recruitment announcements are expected later this year.
Beaver commented: “The Syndicate’s launch has been met with genuine enthusiasm across the market, which speaks to the strength of our proposition and the calibre of the team we have built. We are delighted to welcome Sam as Chief Executive Officer. His depth of experience and track record of leadership will be invaluable as we move into this next stage of growth. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Rob Vetch for his outstanding contribution to the Syndicate’s establishment during his tenure as interim CEO.”
Geddes added: “The Syndicate has built real momentum in a short space of time, and I am delighted to be joining at such a pivotal moment in its development. I look forward to working closely with our brokers, clients, and the wider team to strengthen our position at Lloyd’s and drive the next phase of growth — one that is firmly aligned with Santam Group’s broader strategic ambitions.”
