Diaspora Insurance has appointed seasoned business development executive Dr Godfrey Tenesi as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1.
He replaces Jeff Madzingo, who has been elevated to the role of Executive Chairman after leading the company through a period of significant expansion that established Diaspora Insurance as a trusted provider of insurance for diaspora communities worldwide.
Dr Tenesi joins Diaspora Insurance from Bancassurance Limited in Kenya, where he served as Managing Director for Equity, bringing extensive experience in financial services, business development and strategic leadership.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr Tenesi said his immediate priority is to strengthen trust, operational efficiency and customer confidence.
“Diaspora families deserve peace of mind and certainty when tragedy strikes. My focus is simple: stabilise the business, strengthen our compliance and governance, and ensure we pay claims, on time, every time. That’s how we earn trust and build a company that lasts,” said Dr Tenesi.
Dr Tenesi brings over 33 years of experience in the insurance industry, with expertise spanning business turnaround strategies, risk management, product development, and customer-centric growth across Africa and the United Kingdom.
He began his career in 1992 as a Sales Representative for Zimnat Life Assurance, one of Zimbabwe’s largest life assurance firms, before rising through the ranks and establishing himself as a respected industry leader.
His career later expanded into sales training and organisational transformation, where he spearheaded turnaround strategies for two insurance companies in Nigeria, West Africa.
Among his professional achievements are the authorship of three insurance sales training manuals, as well as the development of a comprehensive three-year training curriculum for insurance sales professionals.
Dr Tenesi also played a role in the renewal of Zimbabwe’s life insurance industry following the economic upheaval caused by the 2008 hyperinflation.
Outgoing CEO and newly appointed Executive Chairman Madzingo said the leadership transition reflects the company’s commitment to delivering reliable financial protection to diaspora communities.
“Dr Tenesi’s appointment reflects our commitment to building a business that delivers on its promise to the diaspora: fast, trusted and dignified financial protection when it matters most,” he said.
Under Madzingo’s leadership, Diaspora Insurance expanded its footprint and is now serving over 40 African nationalities worldwide with innovative insurance and financial solutions.
