Hannover Re, one of Europe’s big four reinsurers, has appointed Wesley Clay as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its South Africa operations, subject to regulatory approval.
Clay has over two decades of industry experience, having joined Hannover Re in 2002 as a Portfolio Manager, and was a member of the Life Management team for six years as a Client Manager.
He has since held a range of leadership roles across the Group. Most recently, Clay led the firm’s Life & Health business in South Africa as the Managing Director (MD), driving its strategic direction and growth, fostering key client relationships, and contributing to several global initiatives across the Hannover Re Group.
Prior to this, he served as the MD of South Africa and Head of Business Development as a member of the Life Exco team.
For a brief period, Clay also served as Director and General Manager of the firm’s offices in Mumbai, India, where he helped strengthen regional presence before returning to South Africa in 2010.
Claude Chèvre, Member of the Executive Board, Hannover Re, commented, “Wesley’s appointment reflects the depth of talent and leadership within Hannover Re.
“With more than two decades at the Group, he brings deep market knowledge, broad international experience and a genuine commitment to our clients and colleagues, which makes him ideally placed to lead our South African business. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role and wish him every success.”
