Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Philile Mkhize as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), with effect from 1 December 2025.

Dr. Mkhize brings 25 years of executive experience in strategy, management, and innovation across leading corporate entities. She currently serves as COO of Absa Technology and has held senior leadership roles at Liberty Holdings, AEL Mining Services, and Altron, among others.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mkhize to Santam during this exciting period of growth,” said Tavaziva Madzinga, Santam Group CEO. “This role is a key enabler for businesses across the Santam Group to seamlessly implement and attain the goals of our FutureFit 2030 strategy. Her wealth of knowledge and extensive experience from previous blue-chip companies will be pivotal for the journey ahead.”

Dr. Mkhize holds a PhD in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Management from California Intercontinental University (USA). She also earned a BCom degree from the University of Johannesburg and has completed several advanced management development programmes.

She will be replacing Gugu Mtetwa, who has stepped into the role of CEO of the Santam Partner Solutions division.