Continental Reinsurance strengthen leadership to drive Pan-African Holding structure

Continental Reinsurance Group has announced 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 the new arrangement, Lawrence Nazare has been appointed GMD of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, headquartered in Botswana, while Fatai Kayode Lawal will lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations.

Lawrence Nazare’s transition follows the completion of his tenure as MD/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, in December 2024. 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: Paul Kokoricha, former chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed chairman of the Board at Group level and Steve Iwenjora, formerly a non-executive director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, who has now been appointed a non-executive director at Group level

These appointments reinforce the Group’s leadership as it executes the next phase of regional integration and strategic oversight.

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.”

Nazare added, “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.”

Fatai Kayode Lawal who resumes as MD OF Continenetal Re Nigeria brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Insurance from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Management (Leadership and Organizational management) from the University of Phoenix, AZ.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London & Nigeria (FCII, FIIN). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Directors.

Lawal’s career includes his most recent position as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd. from January 2007 to December 2023, where he successfully integrated three merging companies and significantly grew sales. P

rior to this, he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Universe Reinsurance Co. Limited, where he improved profitability and expanded markets. His earlier career also includes a leadership role at Refuge Insurance Company Limited and a pioneering management role at Continental Reinsurance Co. Ltd. Lawal has a proven track record in leadership, strategic development, market expansion, and team building.

To strengthen the Board of the Nigeria entity, are Segun Adebanji, chairman of the Board, non-executive director; Funmilayo Omokhodion is non-executive director is a Chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance; Eno Atoyebi, non-executive director has over 25 years in investment management, Atoyebi is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.