Continental Reinsurance Holdings has appointed the former Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, Lawrence Nazare, as its new Group Managing Director.
Headquartered in Botswana, Continental Reinsurance Holdings made the announcement in a statement made available to our correspondent recently.
Apart from Nazare’s appointment, the group also announced several key leadership changes that reflect the company’s continued evolution into a pan-African holding structure and its commitment to robust governance and strategic growth.
In this new capacity, Nazare will oversee the group’s pan-African operations and long-term strategic direction. Joining him on the Board of Continental Reinsurance Holdings are two non-executive directors: Mr Paul Kokoricha, former Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed Chairman of the Board at the Group level, and Mr Steve Iwenjora, formerly a Non-Executive Director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, who has now been appointed a non-executive director at Group level.
At its Nigerian entity, a new CEO and board members were also appointed.
To lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations, Dr Fatai Lawal has been appointed Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, effective April 2025. The Nigerian entity also got three new non-executive directors, whose appointments have received regulatory clearance from the National Insurance Commission.
They include Mr Segun Adebanji – Chairman of the Board and Non-Executive Director. Adebanji is a veteran finance professional and Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Mrs Funmilayo Omokhodion is a Non-Executive Director. Omokhodion is a Chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance, and Mrs Eno Atoyebi is also a non-executive director.
Reflecting on his transition to the Group Board, Kokoricha said, “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, where we achieved significant milestones in growth and governance.
As we now pivot to a consolidated group structure, I am excited to continue supporting the company at this higher level—working with the leadership team to sustain our pan-African momentum and long-term ambition.”
In his comments, the new GMD said, “It’s been a privilege to lead our Nigeria business and support the broader group’s evolution. As I now focus fully on the group-level role, I remain committed to driving Continental Re’s strategic vision across Africa.”
These appointments coincide with Continental Re’s 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the Group’s enduring legacy, resilience, and readiness for the future.
