AIG Africa CEO Wayne Abraham on optimism about SA ahead of The Sun International CEO SleepOut™
The likelihood of someone that leads a major multinational insurance cooperation being positive about South Africa is probably quite low; these are folks who measure and predict risk for a living. But AIG Africa's CEO Wayne Abraham is a different kind of leader - let him surprise you with the optimism he has for our beautiful country.
Cynicism and scepticism are often random social options for many of us - you choose be less trusting of others for a number of reasons of your own choosing. But not for those in the insurance industry: scepticism here ladies and gents, is a bonafide science. Down to a tee. Or is it?
When one goes about measuring risk and producing products that fit certain risk profiles as a way to make a living, the default would be to go about poo-pooing everything one comes across, right? Not so for the CEO of AIG Africa, Wayne Abraham: “I came back to South Africa about three-and-a-half years ago; I spent about 3 years in Dubai. I remain optimistic about the future of the country, I think there are just fantastic people, a great culture in South Africa. I think it’s just in your blood; I think it’s something that I have that warm feeling whenever I come back to South Africa from a trip. I love the country.”
In addition to being a 'South Africa-positive' individual, what is Wayne's motivation for participating in The Sun International CEO SleepOut™?: "With homeless people struggling to survive, as leaders, we need to build awareness around the plight of the homeless and I think this event is certainly doing that and ultimately raising money for this worthy cause. And as leaders, ultimately, we want to be making a difference.”
Wayne joined AIG in 2002 as the Regional Finance Director, AIG Africa Region and in 2007 became the Chief Operating Officer, AIG Africa. In 2010 he moved to Dubai as the CFO of Central (Middle East and Africa). Wayne returned to South Africa in 2013 as the Country Manager of AIG South Africa and in 2014 his responsibilities were expanded to include sub Saharan Africa in his role as Managing Director, AIG Africa.
Wayne started his career doing his articles with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and moved into their audit division, leaving at the beginning of 2002 as a Senior Audit Manager.
Wayne holds a B Comm Accounting from the Rand Afrikaans University and an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science from the University of South Africa. He achieved his Chartered Accountancy Qualification in 1997.
Wayne has called on the CEO of Marsh Africa, Jurie Erwee to take part in the #4Leaders4Change challenge.