OUR TEAM
JURGEN HELLWEG
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- Masters of Finance (UK)
- Honours Bachelor of Commerce, with majors in Business Studies and Finance (SA)
- Bachelor of Economic Sciences, with majors in Business Studies and Marketing (SA)
Jürgen has degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and the University of South Africa, a Masters of Finance from the University of Leicester UK, and more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Jürgen joined Western National Insurance in 2008, bringing with him extensive experience in building insurance brands and businesses from his years with Allianz in Namibia, South Africa and Germany, as well as Guardrisk.
WERNER NEL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
- Honours Bachelor of Accounting – University of Stellenbosch
- Bachelor of Accounting – University of Stellenbosch
- Chartered Accountant (SA)
Werner joined Western in 2022, previously having fulfilled the Head of Enterprise Risk for the PSG Insure division, which included Western. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with Honours in Accounting. He started his career at Deloitte, where he completed his articles and ultimately formed part of the Deloitte’s Enterprise Risk Services team. His years of experience include roles at both Santam and PSG Insure, including internal audit, risk management, and distribution management. He is currently employed as the Chief Operating Officer for the Western Group, overseeing all operations and projects.
JAN-HENDRIK BOTHA
HEAD OF UNDERWRITING AND ACTUARIAL
Jan-Hendrik has in excess of 20 years’ experience in the short-term insurance industry and joined Western in 2018. Having operated in, and managed various industry segments including Distribution, Personal and Commercial Underwriting on a national basis for OMI, he brings a sound knowledge of the industry and the market. Jan-Hendrik is highly focused on driving consistent and sustainable service within an Intermediated distribution model. He brings a broad skill set and expertise to the business.
JEAN NEL
Chief Financial Officer
- Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science – University of South Africa
- Bachelor of Accounting – University of Stellenbosch
- Chartered Accountant (SA)
Jean graduated from the University of Stellenbosch and obtained his Honours in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He joined Western National Insurance in 2014 after gaining experience in auditing and qualifying as a chartered accountant. He is currently employed as the Chief Financial Officer for the Western Group, overseeing all group accounting, financial and regulatory reporting, taxation and financial planning and analysis functions.
NIEL KRITZINGER
HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION
- 1992 B. Com Industrial Psychology (RAU)
- 1993 B. Com Hons Human Resource Development (RAU)
- 2019 Certified Holistic Life and Business Coach (The Conscious Way)
Niel joined Western National Insurance in 2025, bringing two decades of insurance expertise. With a proven track record at OUTsurance, Hollard, and the TIH Group, he has built and scaled successful businesses across the industry. A seasoned short-term insurance professional, Niel is passionate about product development, business process innovation, and driving growth through practical, transformative solutions. His background in the broader financial services sector gives him a holistic understanding of financial ecosystems, enabling him to create lasting value for clients and partners alike.
MEGAN HOLLIDAY
HEAD OF CLAIMS AND PROCUREMENT
- Senior Management certificate (University of Stellenbosch Business School)
- BA(Hons) in Business Management (University of Lincoln, UK)
Megan joined Western in 2024 bringing vast experience built over 18 years. Having held leadership roles in various large insurance companies including Santam and the Telesure Group she brings knowledge and expertise in a number of disciplines including the contact centre environment, claims processes including loss adjusting and procurement. Megan has a Senior management certificate from the University of Stellenbosch business school and a Business Management BA Hons degree from the University of Lincoln UK. She brings a broad skill set and expertise to the business.
ABIGAIL SCHEREKA
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER
- LLB (Unisa)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Compliance Management (cum laude) (University of Johannesburg)
- Senior Management Certificate (University of Stellenbosch Business School)
Abigail joined Western National Insurance in 2022 and has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. She graduated from UNISA with a law degree and completed her postgraduate diploma in Compliance Management (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg. Abigail also has a Senior Management certificate from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She heads up the legal and compliance function in Western and actively engages with, guides, and supports senior management and their respective business functions to identify and meet their strategic and regulatory obligations which arise from laws, regulations, standards, and codes.
NATHAN BARKER
HEAD OF ENGINEERING
- BCom in Short Term Insurance
- MBA (University of Birmingham)
- Associate member of the Insurance Institute of South Africa
Nathan Barker is a seasoned short-term insurance professional with 22 years of experience, specializing in engineering insurance for over 15 years. He has expertise across claims, operations, sales, and underwriting, and has successfully led teams and driven growth in local and international markets. At Western National Insurance, he leads the engineering division, delivering innovative solutions and strengthening the company’s market position.
HELENA-MICHELLE ELLIS
ACTUARIAL MANAGER
- Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Science – University of Stellenbosch
- Associate member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa
- Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary (CERA)
Helena-Michelle graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Science. She is an Associate Member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and holds the Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary (CERA) designation. She joined Western in 2017 as part of the PSG Graduate Programme and has built her career within the organisation. With her appointment as Actuarial Manager at the start of 2024, she now oversees all actuarial functions within Western’s actuarial team. She is focused on ensuring that actuarial practices within Western continue to drive sustainable growth and sound risk management.
WILLEM COETZEE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE – ZENITH
- B Iuris – University of the Orange Free State
- Diploma in insurance – Insurance Institute of South Africa
- Diploma in Management – Henley Management College – London
Willem began his insurance career in 1989, gaining broad expertise in broking, claims, and underwriting. Before joining Zenith in 2012, he led his own loss adjusting and brokerage firms and held senior roles at BJM Insurance Brokers and FNB Insurance Brokers. As a strategic and operational leader, Willem has driven Zenith’s growth through his oversight of underwriting, claims, compliance, and product development. He believes successful partnerships are built on integrity and trust.