Aikukutu joins SanlamAllianz in Outapi

After more than eight years in the insurance industry, Jakob Aikukutu is stepping into a new chapter of his career as a branch consultant for SanlamAllianz, bringing with him extensive experience in financial advisory, client service and relationship management.

Appointed on 1 March as a branch consultant in the client service department of SanlamAllianz in Outapi, Aikukutu will be responsible for delivering exceptional customer service while strengthening and representing the company’s brand.

His duties include processing claims, maintaining policies, providing clients with product and portfolio information, retaining existing business, generating sales leads and ensuring customer enquiries are resolved efficiently and within agreed service-level standards.

For Aikukutu, the appointment is both an exciting career opportunity and recognition of the experience he has gained throughout his career.

“I felt honoured and energised. It was a clear sign that my experience aligns with the company vision, and I was excited to contribute from day one,” he told Careers.

“Every role I have held has prepared me for this opportunity. I believe the skills and relationships I have built over the years have given me a strong foundation to make a positive impact in this position.”

Aikukutu began his career in insurance at Old Mutual, where he worked as a financial advisor for two years. In this role, he assisted clients in identifying their financial needs and recommended solutions aligned with their short-, medium- and long-term goals.

“Being a financial advisor taught me the importance of listening carefully to people and understanding their goals before offering solutions. Every client’s situation is different, and that requires both knowledge and patience,” he says.

Personalising the digital age

After being promoted to client service consultant at Old Mutual, he spent six years in a position he credits with having the greatest impact on his professional development. The role exposed him to claims processing, benefit payments and policy maintenance, while reinforcing the importance of empathy, accuracy and trust in client relationships.

“The role as a client service consultant at Old Mutual most shaped my career. It taught me the value of empathy, accuracy and trust,” he explains.

He notes that clients often remember how they are treated during difficult moments. “When people come to you with a claim or a concern, they are placing their trust in you. I learned that professionalism and compassion must always go hand in hand.”

As the financial services industry evolves, digital transformation and artificial intelligence have influenced how he approaches his work. He believes these developments have encouraged him to become more agile, data-driven and committed to continuous learning.

“Technology is changing the way we serve clients, and that is a good thing. It allows us to work smarter, respond faster and focus more on building meaningful relationships,” he says.

He also sees significant opportunities for innovation through digital and personalised client services. According to him, data and AI can help organisations better understand customer needs, while digital self-service solutions can make routine processes more accessible and efficient.

“Clients want convenience, but they also want to feel understood. The future lies in combining digital efficiency with a personal touch,” he adds.

Putting people first

Looking ahead, Aikukutu hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation by delivering results, mentoring colleagues, building strong teams and staying informed about industry developments.

“I want to help create an environment where clients feel valued and staff are empowered to do their best work,” he says.

“Success is never achieved alone. I believe in teamwork, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for others to grow alongside me.”

His work is guided by the principles of integrity, accountability, collaboration and excellence, supported by a strong belief in transparency and putting people first.

“Integrity is something you carry with you every day. People trust you with important decisions and information, and it is your responsibility to honour that trust,” Aikukutu says.

Outside of work, Aikukutu is a trained chef and marathon runner. He also has an unusual preference for pure water over coffee or tea.

His daily motivation comes from a simple belief: “Hard work never kills you, but it always pays you a great reward.”

Reflecting on the journey that brought him to where he is today, Aikukutu says: “I am grateful for every lesson, challenge and opportunity. They have all played a role in shaping the professional I am today, and I look forward to what comes next.”

Jakob Aikukutu. Photo: Contributed