Santam Syndicate 1918, part of Africa’s largest non-life insurer, has appointed Sam Geddes (pictured) as its chief executive officer, the company announced on Monday.
Geddes, who brings more than 25 years of Lloyd’s and international insurance market experience to the role, joins from MS Amlin, where he served as deputy chief underwriting officer and head of reinsurance, partnerships, and portfolio and exposure management.
He will report to Gareth Beaver, CEO of Santam Specialist Solutions, and will be based in London.
Geddes’s career includes senior leadership positions across the market, including head of property and allied lines at MS Amlin, deputy active underwriter and head of property at Everest Syndicate 2786, underwriting director for Kiln Syndicate 510 in Asia, and various leadership roles in the US market.
His appointment comes as the syndicate continues to build its platform at Lloyd’s. Geddes is expected to lead the next phase of that strategy, focusing on deepening the syndicate’s market position and advancing Santam Group’s FutureFit 2030 international growth and diversification ambitions.
Rob Vetch, who has served as interim CEO and CFO, will transition to the role of CFO following the appointment.
Beaver said the syndicate’s launch had been received with enthusiasm across the market.
“We are delighted to welcome Sam as chief executive officer,” he said. “His depth of experience and track record of leadership will be invaluable as we move into this next stage of growth.”
Beaver also acknowledged Vetch’s contributions.
“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,” he said.
Geddes said the syndicate had built real momentum in a short period.
“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,” he said.
The syndicate has been expanding its underwriting team since its launch. In April, it announced the appointment of Nigel Tatlock as head of property, with further hires expected later in the year.
The appointment follows a period of rapid development for the syndicate. Lloyd’s granted Santam Syndicate 1918 final permission to underwrite for business incepting from 1 January 2026, following an in-principle approval in July 2025. The syndicate initially launched underwriting across several classes, including cyber, energy, financial institutions, marine, political violence and terrorism, professional indemnity, and property, with gross written premium for 2026 projected to exceed £300 million.
Santam holds a market share of more than 22% in South Africa, representing more than three million policyholders.
