<strong>By: SHA</strong>

Stalker Hutchison Admiral (SHA) Risk Specialists, in a continued drive to incite greater transformation and gender equity across its business operations, has announced two new appointments within its ranks.

The company this week named Odett Van Jaarsveld its new Executive Head: Africa Construction and Single Projects, while Alicia Narainsamy has been appointed as Head of Digital Distribution – both were internal appointments.

Gareth Beaver Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at SHA comments, with August being Women’s Month, it seems only fitting to announce the appointment of two female professionals in important strategic roles. “Both Odett and Alicia have the technical competence, as well as the personal passion for excellence in delivering client service that are crucial for their new roles. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these two professionals are going to continue to make massive contributions to our company, and inspire other female professionals to follow their lead.”

<img class="alignleft wp-image-139688 size-medium" src="https://www.cover.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image001-8-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />Van Jaarsveld’s career in the insurance industry spans 27 years, having started in Engineering Underwriting and later going on to specialise in Construction at a large international broking house. Since joining the SHA team in 2014, Van Jaarsveld has held various positions within the UMA ranging from single projects to corporate liability, before ultimately heading up the Professional Indemnity team. In her new role, she will be working towards enhancing the firm’s position in Africa while still keeping a strong focus on her core skills related to the construction sector.<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-139689" src="https://www.cover.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image002-17-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" />

Narainsamy’s relationship with SHA began in 2015, when she took part in Insurance Apprentice South Africa. “While she did not win the competition, she made a major impression on the SHA team and Alicia has gone from strength to strength during her time with us,” says Beaver.

Narainsamy has amassed considerable experience in the last decade within the various lines of the Insurance Industry. Her passion is in strategy and planning with vast experience in the broker distribution channel, Marketing, public relations and business compliance. She holds an MMDP acquired from the Gordan Institute of Business Science and a certificate of mastery in leadership principles from Harvard Business Publishing. In addition to this, Narainsamy has recently commenced with her Master’s in Business Science. As Head of Digital Distribution, she will implement and drive SHA’s digital marketing strategy across the various mediums and product lines.

“In a historically male-dominated industry such as the insurance sector, we believe there is immense value in the fresh insights and new approaches that result from greater gender equity. By ensuring that more female professionals are empowered to take on leadership roles, organisations can become stronger and more competitive. We are immensely proud to welcome Odett and Alicia in their new roles and we look forward to seeing them excel in their new positions,” concludes Beaver.