October 4, 2016

Two celebrations as Lizelle moves to FIA

Because we work so closely with the insurance industry, we often celebrate double-celebrations – like this week’s announcement that Lizelle van der Merwe, head of sales at the Fulcrum Group (a CN&CO client), has been appointed as the new CEO of the  (FIA), effective 1 November 2016. Celebration #1 is for Lizelle (who is a good friend of CN&CO’s) and the FIA. (Carel will be emceeing the upcoming FIA education session on wills, trusts and estates, by the way. Don’t miss it!)

Lizelle joined the Fulcrum team in 2013 and has been integral to the success and growth the organisation has achieved.

Says Vaughan Jones, CEO of Fulcrum: “Lizelle will be missed as a leader, colleague and friend to us all here at Fulcrum. However, we are excited to have played a role in Lizelle’s development and have no doubt that her drive and passion for the intermediary market – like Fulcrum’s – will be a tremendous asset to the FIA. We wish her, and the FIA, the very best”

With Lizelle’s departure, Fulcrum has made an appointment that will provide continuity to the current successful sales environment in addition to ensuring the group continues to drive its strategy in adding value to the insurance market. And here comes celebration #2: Devan Kerr, another friend of CN&CO’s, has been appointed to a newly created role as head of business development for the group effective 1 November 2016. Devan will also be joining the group’s Exco.

Devan is a well-known personality in the strong pool of young professionals in the industry. Here’s what he has to say about the changes: “I am excited by the new role! Continuing as head of premium finance at Fulcrum while driving the origination of new business and enhancing Fulcrum’s capabilities in deepening client relationships with current and prospective clients across the Capital and Delta businesses is a real challenge. However, with the strong Fulcrum team, our excellent partners and an industry full of opportunities, it’s very possible!”

Continuing to build on a strong foundation and power team, Vaughan also announced that Drew Schnehage will be joining the Fulcrum Delta team as Head of Flexi from Monday 10 October. Drew will also join the group’s Executive Committee.

Says Jones: “Drew brings with her a wealth of experience in the short-term insurance industry, having been part of the industry for more than 27 years. She most recently was part of the Hollard team that developed the new personal lines product and broker portal. Before joining Hollard, Drew was CEO of Aquarius Underwriting Managers, a specialist UMA focused on high net-worth individuals. Aquarius managed R150m premium, and was the recipient of many industry awards.

“Through both acquisitive and organic growth, Fulcrum has undergone exciting changes in recent years, enabling us to continue offering the market a relevant and composite product offering that meets the requirements of all of the insurance industry stakeholders,” continues Vaughan. “As an agnostic provider, Fulcrum continues to deliver a full range of services across the insurance supply chain.”