Issue 8 2021

Acquisition International - Issue 8 2021 23 Contact: Richard Phillips Email: [email protected] Website: www.momentum.co.za Best IT & Business Support CFO 2021: Richard Phillips omentum Metropolitan helps people grow their savings, protect what matters to them and invest for the future. It supports companies and organisations in caring for and rewarding their employees and members. Through its own network of advisers or via independent brokers and by utilising new platforms, Momentum Metropolitan provides practical financial solutions for people, communities and businesses. The founding of Metropolitan traces its roots back to as early as 1898 and Momentum was established in 1966, and it was via the merger of these two sizeable insurance-based services companies in South Africa (which were listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on 1st December 2010) that formed Momentum Metropolitan. And with a market capitalisation of R23.6bn and an embedded value of R40.8bn as of 31st December 2020, Momentum Metropolitan continues to be one of South Africa’s larger life insurers and integrated financial services company. In order to grow its international footprint and diversify its revenue streams, Momentum Metropolitan actively pursues financially stable opportunities across the world, including its joint venture with Aditya Birla Capital Ltd, which saw the incorporation of Aditya Birla Insurance Company Ltd in 2015, Momentum Metropolitan’s first expansion into India. Having experienced India first-hand as a hub of both talent and opportunity, M o m e n t u m Metropolitan Services was set up there in 2017, a wholly-owned Mumbai-based global inhouse centre to leverage IT, ITES and business support services to all its businesses worldwide. M Through Metropolitan, Momentum, Guardrisk and Eris Properties, Momentum Metropolitan offers the following products and services to both individuals and companies (including institutions and organisations): long- and short-term insurance; employee benefits including healthcare and retirement provision; asset management, property management, investments and savings; healthcare administration and health risk management; and client engagement solutions including the Momentum Multiply wellness and rewards programme. Momentum Metropolitan’s strategy aims to generate superior shareholder returns through leading products, valuable distribution partnerships and excellent client experiences. These capabilities will enable businesses and people from all walks of life to achieve their most important financial goals and life aspirations. The end results of financial wellness remains at the core of what it does. In terms of its current operational strategy, as highlighted in the 2018 year-end results presentation, it reflects a reset and growth with a focus on delivery and implementation. This is spearheaded by dynamic new leadership and operational changes from within Momentum Metropolitan in 2018. Among the leadership team is Momentum Metropolitan CFO and charted accountant, Richard Phillips, who has been recognised by Acquisition International as Best IT & Business Support CFO 2021. Having obtained his degree through the University of South Africa and an honours degree through the Rand Afrikaans University, he has over 25 years’ experience working in various financial positions in industries ranging from audit, media and entertainment, to aerospace and insurance in London and Johannesburg. His specialties lie in corporate governance, emerging markets, bancassurance, financial control, and systems implementation and data migration. Alongside his current role as CFO, Richard serves as a director on various boards within the Momentum Metropolitan Group. He was also the recipient of the 2018 MMI Way Award. Ultimately, the culture at Momentum Metropolitan consists of positive relationships with colleagues and their leaders, characterised by trust, team spirit and support. Momentum Metropolitan believes that we can only change the world if we change the way we look at it. That why it is always challenging itself to look for smarter solutions, simpler processes and fresh ideas. This inspired approach is what keeps it growing, as individuals and as a team. Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Ltd (Momentum Metropolitan) is a South Africa-based financial services group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa and on the Namibian Stock Exchange in Namibia. It conducts its business through operating brands Metropolitan, Momentum, Guardrisk and Eris Properties, which enable businesses and people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals and life aspirations. May21169