Paul Hanratty, a top-performing South African-based business executive, has made a significant impact on the South African business landscape through his leadership role at the insurance giant partly owned by Africa’s first Black billionaire, Patrice Motsepe.
Renowned as the group CEO of the South African insurance giant and financial services group, Sanlam Limited, Hanratty earned his bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Sciences from the University of Cape Town.
He commenced his career in the insurance industry, gaining valuable experience in various financial services businesses across Africa, the UK, and several other markets. Today, he stands as one of the top executives on the African continent.
Hanratty’s expertise at the helm of Sanlam has significantly contributed to the group’s financial performance in recent years. Beyond the confines of Sanlam — he has provided leadership as an independent non-executive director of MTN Group since 2016.
With his extensive knowledge of the South African financial services sector, Hanratty has solidified his status as one of the top-performing executives on the continent. He also holds a 0.23-percent stake in Sanlam — reaping significant returns since 2022.
Billionaires.Africa has identified several companies linked to Hanratty, with five of them highlighted here:
- 1. Sanlam Limited
At the helm of South Africa’s leading insurer, Sanlam Limited, Hanratty stands tall as a top-performing CEO as he continues to lead the group to impressive financial milestones. His tenure has witnessed Sanlam’s evolution into a diversified financial services powerhouse, boasting five distinct business clusters. With a minority 0.23-percent stake in the group, Hanratty has also cemented his position as one of top investors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. - Sanlam Investment Holdings (SIH)
At the helm of Sanlam Investment Holdings, Hanratty oversees the company’s third-party asset management operations. SIH is a testament to Hanratty’s leadership in navigating the murky waters of South Africa’s financial services industry. - SanlamAllianz
Hanratty’s influence extends beyond national borders through SanlamAllianz, a joint venture spanning 27 African countries. This collaboration, approved by regulatory authorities, has positioned the conglomerate as a Pan African non-banking financial services giant — showcasing Hanratty’s prowess in fostering strategic partnerships. - Santam Limited
As a non-executive director of Santam Ltd., Hanratty contributes to the leadership of South Africa’s largest short-term insurer. With business interests reaching Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Santam Ltd. is a testament to Hanratty’s influence in the regional insurance landscape. - AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited
Adding diversity to Hanratty’s portfolio is AfroCentric Investment Corporation. Established in 2008, this investment holding company focuses primarily on healthcare, operating in both the public and private sectors. With a keen eye on healthcare in South Africa, retail healthcare, healthcare in Africa, and information technology, AfroCentric reflects Hanratty’s commitment to ventures that impact the broader societal well-being.
