Leadership and Footprint
ZEP-RE has undergone a transformative journey in terms of expanding its services beyond COMESA member states and establishing branch offices in West Africa. The company’s growth and leadership changes have marked significant milestones throughout its history.
In 1993, ZEP-RE began operating in Nairobi, Kenya, with Mr. Shadreck Lubasi serving as the first Managing Director. Subsequently, the company expanded its presence by Retakaful Window in Khartoum, Sudan in 1998. In 2007, ZEP-RE further expanded its operations, establishing offices in Lusaka, Zambia and Douala, Cameroon. It was during this time that Mr. Shadreck Lubasi retired, and Mr. Rajni Varia assumed leadership.
The company’s name also underwent a change, becoming ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company). Over the years, ZEP-RE continued to extend its reach, opening offices in Harare, Zimbabwe (2009), Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (2010), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2017), Kampala, Uganda (2018), Kinshasa, DRC (2021), and finally Kigali, Rwanda (2021).
Over the years, ZEP-RE shareholders have been served by an illustrious group of corporate magnates.
In 1993, the company commenced its operations in Nairobi, Kenya, under the guidance of its first Managing Director, Mr. Shadreck Lubasi. Simultaneously, Mr. I. Kaminchia served as the inaugural Board Chairperson, succeeded by Mr. William Mbote. In 2003, Hon. Peter Kenneth took over as the Board Chairperson, replacing Mr. Mbote.
In 2007, Mr. Shadreck Lubasi retired as the Managing Director, and Mr. Rajni Varia assumed leadership responsibilities. The year 2009, saw Dr. Michael Gondwe appointed as the ZEP-RE Board Chairperson, succeeding Hon. Peter Kenneth and in 2014, Mr. William Erio took over the role of Board Chairperson.
Ms. Hope Murera became the Managing Director of ZEP-RE in 2017, replacing Mr. Rajni Varia. The year 2021, marked the appointment of Ms. Christabel Michel Banda as the ZEP-RE Board Chairperson, replacing Mr. William Erio. Finally, in 2022, Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe assumed the position of Board Chairperson, succeeding Ms. Christabel Banda, who served briefly. These changes in leadership have shaped ZEP-RE’s trajectory and contributed to its growth and success in the reinsurance industry.
In 2020, ZEP-RE acquired a majority stake in ACRE Africa and appointed Ewan Wheeler as the Managing Director. Two years later, ZEP-RE acquired a 20% stake in Medbook, a digital health solutions provider. These advancements have shaped ZEP-RE’s growth trajectory and its commitment to delivering reinsurance solutions across Africa.
