New Manager for South African Insurance Association

June 23 - Changes have been taking place at managerial level in the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) in recent weeks.

The group said that Yvette Francis will become SAIA's manager for Image and Reputation from the beginning of this month.

She will take over the role previously occupied by Viviene Pearson who has moved onto SAIA's motor division.

The Chief Executive of SAIA, Barry Scott, said that Image and Reputation has been a key priority features addressed by the group in the past few years.

He said that a new strategy had been agreed on beginning this year.

"It was important to appoint the right person to manage and implement the Image and Reputation strategy as the key elements will contribute greatly to building a strong reputation for the short term insurance industry and the SAIA in the future," said Scott.

"Yvette was appointed into this new position after a thorough high level interview process," he added.

Francis said that a tremendous amount of work has gone into developing the Image and Reputation Strategy at the South African Insurance Association.

"I look forward to not only bringing this vision to life but also to elevate the profile of the short term insurance industry in the country," she said.

The SAIA represents most of South Africa's short term insurance companies and is an authorized body to negotiate on its behalf.

The group recently launched a new industry Code of Conduct in Johannesburg in a bid to promote high ethical values and good business practices in the industry.