South Africa
A seasoned Executive level Business Leader, Nicolette Hendricks demonstrates high-level leadership, vision, and business acumen gleaned over a progressive 34-year career within the financial services industry; 18 years of which were gained in Life Insurance and 10 years in Investment and Banking Business, Corporate, Unit Trusts, and Asset Management. Leveraging an exceptional aptitude for critical thinking, she retains a proven profile of driving strategic forecasting, business transformation and sustainable growth – at national and international levels. Steadfast in pursuing a career filled with noteworthy success, innovation, and growth; Nicolette skilfully balances the functions of business intelligence and hands-on action to strategize and deploy Fintech solutions and optimised business processes to maximise operational potential and achieve strategic targets and objectives year-on-year. Proven proficiencies in analysing market trends have earned her a record of success in delivering top-line financial growth across both new markets and existing products. Within her robust C-Suite repertoire, she has deftly assumed the accountabilities of Chief Operations Officer - Operations, Services, Finance & IT Functions | Chief Executive Officer & Director | Africa Group Executive - Operations & IT | Executive Integration Officer & Director | Managing Director | Chair of Various Subsidiary Boards, affording her specialised knowledge in effective development and implementation of initiatives to generate revenue, reduce expenditure, streamline processes, and minimise risks. Respected for her capacity to drive C-suite engagement, Nicolette cultivates and maintains trusted, long-term professional relationships with business stakeholders, country leaders, and governing bodies. Drawing on her influential thought leadership competencies, she steers high-performance teams to deliver against objectives and establish a centre of excellence across core business functions.
Full oversight of overall business performance. Formulated and executed strategies to drive strategic business growth and reported on the efficacy thereof to the stakeholders. Proactively identified opportunities to optimise business operations, financial performance, investments, and ventures and resolve challenges. Conducted a comprehensive business review and presented core market intelligence and strategic insights to the Board. Conceptualised strategic and tactical plans to manage costs and generate revenue. Managed an empowered Senior Leadership Team to ensure organisation-wide adherence to internal policies and operational guidelines.
Defined the strategic direction and led role-players on behalf of the company, including 3 key subsidiaries, to ensure optimal alignment with the overall Group strategy. Developed and executed targeted strategies to deliver top-line financial growth across both new markets and existing products and ensured the implementation of relevant financial, commercial, and operational best practices. Worked with the Senior Leadership Team to drive the fixed-people and culture-transformation agendas. Secured the delivery of a holistic product and service offering which resulted in a significant increase in market share and established market leadership within the designated customer segments. Cultivated a sound understanding of the full value chain, within the relevant segments to best optimise the value chain and meet the strategic business objectives.
Established the strategic direction and people management policy for the SME Division, as well as defined the customer segment strategy for Group Business in South Africa. Facilitated the development of a competitive business proposition to boost market share, generate value for clients, and deliver long-term sustainability. Provided strategic guidance and liaised with the relevant role payers to devise operational strategies for each segment of responsibility, with a focus on the operational efficiency of cost optimisation. Integrated with various product houses across the relevant areas of responsibility and developed strategies for the respective distribution channels in line with global market trends. Provided insights into the development of the IT roadmap. Formulated initiatives to drive client satisfaction and accelerate the time-to-market. Assessed and managed key business risks encompassing market trends, insurance landscapes, operational considerations, compliance, and legislative requirements.
Held accountabilities synonymous with the role below.
Led the successful implementation, stabilisation, and seamless integration of the locally-owned Provident Life and Trust company into the Old Mutual Group in 2013. Proactively contributed to the expansion of the African Operations Division for Emerging Markets by devising and executing the overall business strategy for the subsidiary based in Ghana. Collaborated with the Old Mutual Life Assurance Business Teams to analyse industry dynamics and drive the development of comprehensive business cases, including strategic rationale, operational considerations, and financial assumptions. Created strategic plans in line with the business objectives and effectively executed processes, partnerships, and strategic relationships. Full oversight of operations, negotiations, and transactions, including due diligence processes, valuation modelling, internal approval requirements, and integration planning. Researched and investigated potential development opportunities. Leveraged technical expertise and commercial intellect to advise management on business development and turnaround strategies. Monitored expenditures to ensure alignment with the authorised annual budget and strategized revenue-generating campaigns. Assessed the principal risks of operation within the region; implemented comprehensive risk management processes; and maintained compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards. Ensured optimal organisational structuring and staffing levels; managed the HR function from initial recruitment to termination of contracts.
[Synopsis of accountabilities for the above further roles available upon request – Comprehensive CV]
Asset Management - 2000 to 2001 Unit Trusts - 1996 to 2000 Private Banking - 1991 to 1996