Old Mutual has officially announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Iain Williamson, will be stepping down from his position at the end of August 2025, as he embarks on early retirement. This decision marks the conclusion of a remarkable 32-year tenure with the company, during which Williamson has spent the last five years serving as the group CEO and executive director.
In light of his impending departure, Williamson will collaborate closely with the Old Mutual Board and his successor, once appointed, to facilitate a seamless and well-managed transition of leadership. The Board has already initiated a process to identify a new CEO, considering both internal and external candidates for the role. While specific timelines for this search have not been disclosed, the Board emphasized that the process will be conducted “expeditiously.”
Williamson’s journey with Old Mutual began in 1993, and he has held various positions throughout his career, particularly in the areas of employee benefits and personal finance. His career took a significant turn when he relocated to London to take on a Corporate Development role at Old Mutual plc. After returning to South Africa in 2003, he continued to ascend through the ranks, taking on multiple roles across distribution, technology, and finance. His leadership capabilities were recognized when he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Retail Affluent segment, followed by his appointment as Managing Director of the same segment.
In 2015, Williamson became the Finance Director for Old Mutual Emerging Markets, and two years later, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer. Notably, he also served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2017 before being officially appointed to the CEO position in July 2020, after having served as the interim CEO since May 2019.
Williamson’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Science degree with a specialization in Actuarial Science, completion of the General Management Programme at Harvard University, and he is recognized as a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa. His extensive experience and educational background have significantly contributed to his leadership at Old Mutual, and his upcoming retirement will mark the end of an era for the organization.
