Sanlam Life Insurance has appointed Jacqueline Karasha as its new Principal Officer and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2025.
In a company notice dated July 10, Karasha, who previously served as Chief Sales Officer, steps into the role with over 17 years of industry experience.
The appointment was confirmed by the company’s Board of Directors and marked a strategic shift aimed at accelerating growth and driving digital transformation.
Karasha is widely recognized for her leadership in transforming distribution channels and forging strategic partnerships during her tenure at Sanlam.
Her efforts have been instrumental in positioning the insurer for long-term sustainability in a competitive market.
“Her extensive experience and leadership capabilities will enable Sanlam Life to elevate the organization to the forefront of its industry, with a focus on sustainable value creation for all stakeholders, customer obsession, and innovation,” said Dr. Patrick Tumbo, Group CEO of Sanlam Kenya PLC.
Education Background
Karasha holds a First-Class Honours degree in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
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She is an Associate of the Life Management Institute (ALMI), and a graduate of the Senior Leadership Development Program at Stellenbosch Business School.
She also holds an Underwriting Skills Certificate from Hannover Re.
As CEO, Karasha will spearhead key reforms aimed at repositioning Sanlam Life as a leading provider of life insurance solutions, while enhancing shareholder value and delivering superior customer experiences.
The company extended its congratulations to Karasha, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.
Career of Jacqueline Karasha
Before assuming the CEO position, Karasha was Chief Sales and Projects Officer at Sanlam Kenya from November 2024 to June 2025.
She also served as Chief Sales Officer for two years beginning in October 2022 and held the position of Head of Corporate Business from 2016 to 2022.
Prior to joining Sanlam, Karasha held senior positions at CIC Insurance Company, where she was Head of Corporate Business from June 2015 to August 2016.
She also worked at UAP Old Mutual Group between 2013 and 2015, first as Business Development Manager for Corporate Business and earlier as Assistant Manager of Operations.
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Karasha began her career at Jubilee Insurance Company Limited, where she spent more than five years in roles including Team Leader for Group Life Servicing, New Business and Premium Allocation, and Premiums Allocation in the Life Division.
She started out as an actuarial trainee in 2008, gaining experience in actuarial valuation, product modeling, and policy servicing.
About Sanlam
Sanlam is a diversified financial services group headquartered in South Africa, with a strong presence across Africa and growing operations in international markets such as India, Malaysia, and parts of Europe.
Established in 1918, Sanlam has evolved from a traditional life insurance company into one of the continent’s leading providers of financial solutions.
The group operates through various business clusters, including life insurance, general insurance, asset management, wealth management, and financial planning.
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