Sam Geddes joins the South African firm’s Lloyd’s syndicate from MS Amlin, while interim CEO and CFO Rob Vetch will move into the CFO role

Santam Syndicate 1918 at Lloyd’s has appointed Sam Geddes as CEO, the group has announced.

Sam Geddes

Geddes (pictured) will be based in London and report to Gareth Beaver, CEO of Santam Specialist Solutions.

The syndicate is part of South African firm Santam Group, Africa’s largest non-life insurer.

Geddes joins from rival carrier MS Amlin, where he was deputy chief underwriting officer and head of reinsurance, partnerships, and portfolio and exposure management.

He brings more than 25 years of Lloyd’s and international insurance market experience to the role.

His previous roles include head of property and allied lines at MS Amlin, deputy active underwriter and head of property at Everest Syndicate 2786, and underwriting director for Kiln Syndicate 510 in Asia.

He has also held a range of leadership roles in the US market.

Santam said the appointment marks a milestone in the syndicate’s development as it continues to build its Lloyd’s platform.

Geddes will lead the next phase of the strategy, with a focus on deepening the syndicate’s market position and advancing Santam Group’s FutureFit 2030 international growth and diversification ambitions.

Rob Vetch, who has served as interim CEO and CFO, will transition to the CFO role.

Santam Syndicate 1918 has continued to build out its underwriting team since launch.

Recent appointments include Nigel Tatlock as head of property, announced in April 2026, with further hires expected during the year.

Beaver said: “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 CEO. 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.”

Geddes said: “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,” he added.

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