Heinrich Punt to lead SanlamConnect as Chief Executive

Sanlam’s business for professional, relationshipdriven financial advice and planning has appointed Heinrich Punt as Chief Executive, effective 1 April 2026. The internal leadership move reinforces continuity for the business and supports Sanlam’s broader Retail Affluent strategy.

Punt succeeds Jean Lombard, who will now lead Sanlam’s Retail Affluent comprising SanlamConnect, Glacier, Sanlam Risk and Savings, and Strategic Initiatives.

Lombard says, “Heinrich is a highly respected leader who understands our business, our intermediary market and the opportunities ahead. He brings deep operational and strategic knowledge, strong continuity, and a genuine understanding of the adviser models that are central to SanlamConnect.

Punt has been with Sanlam for 26 years, most recently as General Manager of the Intermediaries business. Before that, he led Enterprises, the business unit responsible for the group’s enterprise, partner and outsourced distribution models.