The Board of Directors of Sanlam General Insurance Plc, the general insurance market leader in Rwanda, has announced the appointment of Mr. Richard Akotègnon HODEHOU as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the recent approval of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), which regulates the insurance industry.

Mr. HODEHOU replaces former CEO Ms. Betty SAYINZOGA who was appointed by SanlamAllianz to join as the Executive Human Capital in 2023, where she currently oversees 27 countries.

Announcing the appointment, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sanlam General Insurance Plc Mr. Vianney RURANGIRWA SHUMBUSHO, said: "Mr. Richard HODEHOU is a distinguished business leader and professional whose accomplishments match with the profile of Sanlam General Insurance Plc. His appointment will further solidify our position as the market leader in general insurance business in Rwanda.”

Mr. HODEHOU is a business leader with 20 years of experience, expertise, and rich knowledge in insurance, finance, accounting, audit, and risk management. He began his career in Dakar, Senegal in February 2004 in different positions in Financial and agro-industry private companies. From August 2013 when he joined Allianz Senegal to July 2020, he served in 3 various positions and the last one was as CFO for both General and Life Allianz Senegal Before his appointment, he was serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of two Insurance companies in Cameroun - Allianz Cameroun General Insurance and Allianz Cameroun Life Insurance since August 2020.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. HODEHOU said: "I am delighted to join Sanlam General Insurance Plc whose track record in Rwanda’s insurance market is commendable. My ambition is to work with the team including the Board of Directors and Management to maintain the company’s position as the market leader by delivering innovative products and excellent customer service.”

The Beninese national, Mr. HODEHOU holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Audit and Risk Management obtained in 2018 from ESA, Paris, France. He also holds another master’s degree in accounting and financial techniques obtained in 2004 from CESAG in Dakar, Senegal, and a bachelor’s degree obtained in 2002 from ISM Business School in Dakar, Senegal.

About Sanlam General Insurance Plc

Sanlam General Insurance Plc is the leading general insurance company in Rwanda offering a range of reliable individual and corporate insurance products for the last 41 years. It is part of Sanlam Group, the largest non-banking financial services company in Africa.

For more information, visit: https://rw.sanlam.com/about-us/general-insurance/