Santam Syndicate 1918 (“the Syndicate”), part of Santam Group, Africa’s largest non-life insurer, today announces the appointment of Sam Geddes as Chief Executive Officer. Geddes will report to Gareth Beaver, CEO of Santam Specialist Solutions, and will be based in London.
Geddes brings more than 25 years of Lloyd’s and international insurance market experience to the role. He joins from MS Amlin, where he served as Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Reinsurance, Partnerships, and Portfolio and Exposure Management. His career spans senior leadership positions across the market, including Head of Property and Allied Lines at MS Amlin, Deputy Active Underwriter and Head of Property at Everest Syndicate 2786, Underwriting Director for Kiln Syndicate 510 in Asia, and a range of leadership roles in the US market.
His appointment marks a significant milestone in the Syndicate’s development as it continues to build its platform at Lloyd’s. Geddes will lead the next phase of that strategy, with a focus on deepening the Syndicate’s market position and advancing the Santam Group’s FutureFit 2030 international growth and diversification ambitions. Rob Vetch, who has served as interim CEO and CFO, will transition to the role of CFO.
The Syndicate has made consistent progress in developing a strong underwriting team since its launch. Recent hires include the appointment of Nigel Tatlock as head of property announced in April 2026, with further announcements expected in the course of the year.
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Gareth Beaver commented: “The Syndicate’s launch has been met with genuine enthusiasm across the market, which speaks to the strength of our proposition and the calibre of the team we have built. We are delighted to welcome Sam as Chief Executive Officer. His depth of experience and track record of leadership will be invaluable as we move into this next stage of growth. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Rob Vetch for his outstanding contribution to the Syndicate’s establishment during his tenure as interim CEO.”
Sam Geddes added: “The Syndicate has built real momentum in a short space of time, and I am delighted to be joining at such a pivotal moment in its development. I look forward to working closely with our brokers, clients, and the wider team to strengthen our position at Lloyd’s and drive the next phase of growth — one that is firmly aligned with Santam Group’s broader strategic ambitions.”