Sanlam Investments announces leadership changes
Carl Roothman, CEO Sanlam Investment Group and Natasha Narsingh, new head of Sanlam Investment’s Active Management business
Sanlam Investments has announced the resignation of its CEO, Nersan Naidoo. Naidoo has been with the Sanlam Group for more than 20 years and has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth in the investments business. Most recently, he led the amalgamation of Sanlam Investments with Absa Investments and spearheaded the move to bring sustainable investing front and centre in the organisation.
After a remarkable tenure, Naidoo is leaving for personal reasons, but will remain in his role until 30 June 2023. Carl Roothman, CEO of the Sanlam Investment Group – which comprises Sanlam Investments, Sanlam Specialised Finance, Sanlam Investments UK and Sanlam Private Wealth – will extend his current responsibilities to include Naidoo’s portfolio. Additionally, it has been announced that effective, 1 April 2023, Natasha Narsingh – currently head of Absolute Return – has been promoted to the head of Sanlam Investment’s Active Management business.
Roothman says, “Nersan has been a passionate leader, ambassador and contributor to the stellar performance and growth of Sanlam Investments. His track record includes extensive experience in investment management and business leadership, both locally and internationally. Most recently under his leadership the transaction between Sanlam Investments and Absa Investments was successfully concluded.
“Over the last three years, Nersan has become a pioneer and passionate advocate of sustainable investing in our business. He has helped bring investing for good to the forefront in our organisation and, through his passion and deep commitment, is leaving us with a legacy and a clear purpose in this regard.”
Roothman added that the business thanked Naidoo for extending his time at the helm of Sanlam Investments in order to ensure a smooth merger with ABSA Investments and wished him all the best for his future endeavours.
On Narsingh’s promotion, Roothman said, “Natasha is an authentic leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, who has distinguished herself among her peers and colleagues, made strides for women in asset management, and received recognition from organisations such as ABSIP. She supports other women in the workplace and places a high emphasis on building transparent relationships.”
Narsingh has successfully headed the Absolute Return team since 2017. She also took over as portfolio manager of the SIM Managed Solution Fund Range in 2011 and under her skillful management, the investment performance of these funds has grown to become one of the top-performing multi-asset funds in the industry.
Roothman concluded that it is a critical time for the Sanlam Investment Group as the Absa Investments transaction rings in a new era, “Our focus, as always, remains on delivering great results and strong performance for our clients. Our refined strategy is already gaining momentum and, as one of South Africa’s largest black owned asset managers, we are now in an excellent position to move successfully into the future.”
ENDS