Catherine Albertyn
Garrun Group
Tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.
In 1995 I started my BCom at Wits, and chose Economics, Insurance and Risk Management as my majors - so yes- I chose insurance as a career! My first job was at Motor Claims Bureau (MCB), where I was fortunate to be mentored by Drew Schnehage and learnt the ins and outs of processing claims. I then moved to SHA for four years and was involved on the motor fleet underwriting side of insurance. My next move was to Commrisk Insurance Brokers (then Multirisk Managers), initially as an account executive, and then into a management role - I spent 10 wonderful years there. Thereafter, I was approached by GIB with an opportunity on the personal lines side of things. I now find myself at the dynamic and enterprising Garrun Group. I am passionate about insurance and feel like I learn something new every day - especially over the last two years! Not sure I knew that when I applied to do my BCom - I got lucky.
How did you come to join the GWII?
I was attracted to GWII because I see it as a platform where women can socialise and grow, surrounded by friends in a place where it’s safe to “let your hair down” and be yourself.
Why do you believe this is an important forum for women in the insurance sector?
I think it provides a fantastic platform for women to connect, develop and collaborate with their peers, while supporting charitable initiatives. It uplifts the status of the industry and assists in attracting new and fresh talent to our broad and varied industry, which I am proud to be a part of.
What excites you about the year ahead and the role you will be playing on the committee in 2022?
I am looking forward to working with a really inspiring group of women, on the committee of GWII, and am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the industry that has given so much to me over the last 20+ years. I hope to be able to add and assist on the committee, whilst learning and growing in my own right.
Magesh Naidoo
General Manager: Operations Strategy
Innovation Group
Tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.
I am passionate about people and life, with a high energy and a love for embracing new challenges. My hands on approach and ability to untangle the detail has enabled me to acquire various skills. I have worked in the insurance industry for the past 16 years and have specialised in premium handling, operations and strategy.
How did you come to join the GWII?
My passion for insurance lead me to join GWII, as a member, more than six years ago. The knowledge and value gained has been pivotal in the development of my career within the industry, so when the seed was planted for me to join on a committee level, I realised that this was an amazing opportunity to give back to an industry that has given so much to me.
Why do you believe this is an important forum for women in the insurance sector?
It is a platform that allows women the opportunity to be the change, reflect on and celebrate the positive transformation that has taken place in our industry. GWII enables women to have discussions about further improvements with mentors and mentees, learn from past experiences, take new ideas forward and, most importantly, GWII recognises the important role women have played and continue to play in the industry and society.
What excites you about the year ahead and the role you will be playing on the committee in 2022?
For me, it is definitely working closely with phenomenal women, and it gives me the opportunity to enable change, impart knowledge and help steer the industry forward.
Sharon Mvududu
Specialist Business: Niche Manager
Santam
Tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.
I’m a Zulu girl from Pietermaritzburg (Sleepy Hallow) and a mother to a beautiful energetic daughter named Ellah, who loves to dance like her mom. I fell into insurance when I was doing my articles at KPMG financial services, this led me to a reporting role in Absa Insurance, where I spent six years. I then moved to Santam where I was given the opportunity to grow and stretch myself for another six years… I fell into insurance and have stayed in insurance.
How did you come to join the GWII?
I was introduced to GWII by Carla Jordan, about three years ago, then in 2021, Portia Mogale (Santam) requested that I consider joining the GWII committee.
Why do you believe this is an important forum for women in the insurance sector?
GWII provides a platform for women to network and engage on industry related matters, and also, assists women in their personal goals.
What excites you about the year ahead and the role you will be playing on the committee in 2022?
I’m excited to engage with other industry leaders, and as roles have not been set, I’m looking forward to the assisting in the planning of the events post Covid.