Iain Williamson, the Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual, has announced his early retirement after working for 32 years with the company.
The announcement was made on Monday, and his retirement will take effect on August 31, 2025. Williamson has played a vital role in shaping Old Mutual’s journey, especially since assuming the CEO role in July 2020.
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Iain Williamson’s journey at Old Mutual
Williamson, 54, joined Old Mutual in 1993 and rose steadily, holding various leadership positions before becoming CEO.
His tenure as CEO has been defined by his focus on strengthening the company’s foundation and fostering innovation.
Reflecting on his contributions, the Old Mutual board stated, “The board has accepted Mr Williamson’s request to take early retirement after 32 years with the Old Mutual Group, the last five as CEO, and extends its heartfelt thanks for his remarkable commitment and service to the Company, its clients and the industry.”
As CEO, Williamson guided Old Mutual through numerous challenges while ensuring the company remained adaptable and forward-thinking.
The board praised him for leaving behind a company that is “stronger, more resilient and more innovative.” As part of the transition process, Williamson will support the search for his successor to ensure a smooth leadership handover.
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Academic background and leadership transition
Williamson holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree specialising in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a General Management Programme at Harvard University and is a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa.
Following Williamson’s announcement, Old Mutual has launched a comprehensive search for its next CEO. The board is considering internal and external candidates to find a leader who can build on Williamson’s legacy and steer the company into its next growth phase.
As he prepares to step down, Williamson reflects on his journey at Old Mutual and highlights the importance of fostering talent within the organisation. His departure marks a new chapter for him and Old Mutual, which seeks fresh leadership to continue its trajectory of progress.