Partners in African Insurance Growth

To stay ahead of competitors and serve our partners’ needs, we combine Africa‑specific expertise, experience, innovation and agility. Our EXCO champion transformation, digital innovation and long‑term partnerships that deliver value beyond the sum of our parts.

The firstEquity Insurance Group is made up of a portfolio of companies offering insurance and reinsurance broking products as well as underwriting and claims administration services. We offer various coverage options from general commercial and personal insurance to niche focused lines like professional liability insurance, tourism and hospitality and credit and risk. The portfolio companies are located in southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

CEO of The firstEquity Group

Vis Govender

MBA, B.Com (Information Systems)
CEO

Vis held several senior management roles, including serving as a Senior Executive on the EXCO of Allianz SA—part of one of the world’s largest insurance and banking groups.

He ran a management consulting practice and spent nine years on the Nedbank Insurance EXCO, also serving on the Nedbank Merger Steering Committee before founding firstEquity.

With a specialisation in information technology, Vis brings operational efficiencies that support both clients and brokers in managing complex portfolios, while understanding the local service requirements these accounts demand.

Kevin Watson CFO head of group finance governance strategy and shared services

Kevin Watson

CA(SA), MBA
CFO
& Executive Head: SATIB

Kevin, a chartered accountant with an MBA, has 35 years of international experience having worked in various executive roles, in multiple industries, in almost 20 countries. He joined the group in 2009 and has been part of the executive committee who has assisted the group to more than quadruple in size, and depth of client offering, in the past decade.

As a Certified Director and having spent time on the board of listed companies, Kevin is well positioned to ensure that the group grows in a well governed and sustainable way. He heads up the Group Finance, Governance, Strategy and Shared Services divisions.

Anthony Courtenay COO of The firstEquity Group key insurance product developer

Anthony Courtenay

B.Soc.Sc

COO

With financial services running in his blood, it’s no wonder that developing bespoke industry products comes second nature to Anthony. As part of the founding family of SATIB, Anthony has spent his entire career in financial services. Anthony obtained a Social Sciences Degree from the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, and shortly after joined SATIB Insurance Brokers.

Anthony’s time is spent performing various management duties, administration of key insurance facilities, developing bespoke industry products and servicing of key group clients.

Gavin Courtenay primary liaison for key insurance carrier management teams

Gavin Courtenay

MD Africa

Gavin unrivaled knowledge of the industry makes him the obvious choice as primary liaison for key insurance carrier management teams.

His insurance career began at Jardine Insurance Brokers in London, where he spent two years on the property team, broking property risks into Lloyd’s of London and London Insurance Company market.

Gavin is the primary liaison with key insurance carrier management teams. He is passionate about driving the company’s new business strategy and interacting with clients. Gavin heads up the Group’s African growth efforts.

Saskia Stemmett Executive Head Legal and Compliance firstEquity Group

Saskia Stemmett

B.Com, LLB

Executive Head:
Legal and Compliance

Saskia heads up the Group’s Legal and Compliance divisions. After graduating from the University of Cape Town in 2006 with BCOM and LLB degrees, Saskia completed her legal articles and was admitted as an Attorney of the Cape of Good Hope in 2008.

She joined the broking division of DMKC Insurance Brokers before taking on the responsibility for Legal and Compliance.

Saskia moved into a Group role for the firstEquity Insurance Group in 2016 and is responsible for the ongoing governance, legal and compliance management. She is also involved in Company Secretarial, risk and Governance for the Group.

TRUM AFRICA PTY LTD Carla Gillham Executive Head Insurance Broker Underwriting

Carla Gillham

B.Com

Executive Head:
TRUM AFRICA

With 20 years multi class commercial underwriting experience across Africa, Carla manages the group binders and outsource relationships with key Insurers, including underwriting, admin and claims for certain syndicates at Lloyds of London and A Rated local Insurers.

She maintains industry accounts assuming the role of Key Individual, working with underwriters, brokers, risk and claims managers.

Carla creates unique product solutions, both attracting and retaining customers through quality products, and competitively sustainable insurance premiums.

Peter Nicholson Executive Head African Risk Transfer (ART)

Peter Nicholson

DipCII

Executive Head:
ART

Peter has a strong entrepreneurial drive and solution-focused mindset. He joined ART in 2018 and quickly earned a Level 4 Diploma in General Insurance from the UK’s Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

He has managed ART’s largest client portfolios in Real Estate, Construction, Hospitality, and Political Risk. He also leads the Financial Lines division, specialising in D&O, PI, Cyber, and Commercial Crime cover.

Following 15 years in senior management, Peter was appointed Managing Director of ART in 2023. He now drives the company’s strategic growth across Africa.