Portraits
OLEA South Africa Welcomes Kieren Vels as Regional Executive Head – Western Cape
OLEA South Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Kieren Vels as Regional Executive Head – Western Cape, effective September 2025.
With a career spanning over three decades, Kieren brings a wealth of experience and a rare dual perspective to the role. He began his journey in 1990 as a commercial and corporate property underwriter with SA Eagle and Mutual & Federal in Johannesburg. His move to Cape Town marked a pivotal expansion, where he led teams across Corporate, Engineering, Marine, and Risk Finance portfolios.
Kieren’s expertise deepened during his tenure at Old Mutual, where he served as an executive insurance buyer. There, he managed the Group’s global insurance programmes, established a captive insurance company, and contributed to strategic decision-making as a member of the Group Governance Cluster’s executive committee.
Most recently, Kieren held a leadership role at Phoenix Risk Solutions, a Cape-based brokerage, where he continued to refine his approach to client-centric solutions.
Now at OLEA, Kieren leverages his comprehensive understanding of both insurer and buyer dynamics to deliver optimised outcomes for all stakeholders. His appointment signals OLEA South Africa’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and regional growth.
We are delighted to welcome Kieren to the team and look forward to the impact his leadership will bring to the Western Cape and beyond.
OLEA South Africa is a member of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI).
Disclaimer:
This article is an external contribution and was not produced by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI). The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of FSACCI.
