Old Mutual Emerging Markets (OMEM) has appointed Iain Williamson, currently OMEM Finance Director, as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Williamson will take on his expanded role on January 1, 2017 and will remain in post until a permanent candidate for the CEO role is found. 

The OMEM operational team will report to Williamson during this interim period.

The post became vacant following Ralph Mupita’s decision to pursue an opportunity outside of financial services. 

The search for the new OMEM CEO has been launched.

Williamson said: “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the business during this exciting period. We will continue our focus on helping our customers achieve their lifetime goals while also ensuring we are in the right shape for the next stage of our journey.”

Williamson is a very experienced professional and a qualified actuary with an excellent knowledge of Old Mutual Emerging Markets and the wider financial services industry. 

Williamson joined Old Mutual in 1993 and has held a number of senior leadership positions including Managing Director of Old Mutual South Africa’s largest operating unit, the Retail Affluent segment. 

Bruce Hemphill, Chief Executive of Old Mutual, said: “I am very pleased Iain has agreed to take on the role until we find a new CEO.”

“Iain’s knowledge and experience of the financial services industry and Old Mutual Emerging Markets will ensure continuity in the management of the business and that there will be no disruption to our customers and other stakeholders. I will be working closely with Iain and his management team as we get the Emerging Markets business ready for independence,” he said.