By Princess Eugene Majuru
BIRMINGHAM, UK — Diaspora Insurance has officially unveiled Dr Godfrey Tenesi as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition from founder Jeff Madzingo, during a press conference held in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Delivering his keynote address to stakeholders, partners, regulators, and members of the diaspora community, Dr Tenesi outlined an ambitious vision centred on operational growth, regulatory compliance, and faster claims settlement, while promising to strengthen trust in diaspora-focused insurance services.
Dr Tenesi, a veteran insurance executive with 33 years of industry experience across Southern and East Africa, reflected on his journey from selling insurance policies door-to-door in Zimbabwe in 1992 to leading insurance operations in Zambia, Nigeria, and Kenya.
“When a family loses a loved one abroad, they don’t need a sales pitch. They need certainty, dignity, and speed,” he said. “That’s why Diaspora Insurance exists. And that’s why I’m here.”
Taking over from founder Jeff Madzingo, Dr Tenesi acknowledged the trust placed in him by the company’s board and pledged to lead the organisation into what he described as its “next chapter.”
Three-Pillar Strategy
At the centre of Dr Tenesi’s leadership agenda is a three-pillar strategy he described as “Growth, Protect, Deliver.”
On growth, the newly appointed CEO stressed that expansion must be supported by strong systems, skilled personnel, and operational readiness.
“Growth in insurance is a function of capacity and not just ambition,” he said. “Growth without capacity is just faster failure.”
Dr Tenesi revealed that the company’s immediate focus over the next 90 days would be on building operational capacity to sustain increasing demand and scale efficiently.
The second pillar, Protect, focused heavily on governance and regulatory compliance. Emphasising the importance of maintaining trust in a highly regulated industry, Dr Tenesi said adherence to standards set by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) would remain non-negotiable.
“Compliance is not a department; it is the foundation,” he said. “No shortcuts. No grey areas.”
He warned that failure to maintain regulatory standards would compromise the company’s ability to serve diaspora communities effectively.
24-Hour Claims Promise
Perhaps the most significant announcement from the keynote was Dr Tenesi’s commitment to a faster claims process.
He pledged that Diaspora Insurance would settle claims within 24 hours of receiving all required documentation, describing speed and dignity in moments of bereavement as central to the company’s purpose.
“The promise of insurance is paid in one moment: when a claim is made,” he said. “If we receive the required documents, we will settle the claim within 24 hours.”
He further promised transparency and accountability should the company fail to meet that target.
The commitment is expected to resonate strongly with diaspora communities who often face financial and logistical challenges repatriating loved ones for burial back home.
Focus on Diaspora Realities
Dr Tenesi criticised what he described as generic insurance models that fail to understand the realities faced by African diaspora families.
He pledged to introduce simpler, customer-focused insurance products tailored to diaspora needs, with clearer communication and more accessible claims processes.
“For customers, it means simpler products designed for your reality — not generic policies copied from another market,” he said.
He also called for stronger partnerships with churches, hometown associations, diaspora organisations, and reinsurance partners to improve trust and service delivery.
“You have the trust in the community. We have the licence, the capital, and the operational capability,” he told stakeholders.
Supporting Diaspora Welfare
Beyond insurance services, Dr Tenesi positioned Diaspora Insurance as part of a broader mission to protect diaspora wealth and family welfare.
He highlighted the economic significance of remittances, noting that unexpected funeral costs should not undermine years of financial sacrifice.
“By making protection accessible and reliable, we help diaspora families preserve their ability to invest back home,” he said.
He added that the company intends to work alongside diaspora-focused institutions, including the African Union’s Citizens and Diaspora Directorate, to strengthen diaspora welfare frameworks.
Leadership Through Accountability
Internally, Dr Tenesi promised a culture rooted in teamwork, accountability, and transparency. He told employees that every department depended on another, describing staff as “subcontractors to the next” in a chain of service delivery.
“My leadership style is simple: I will listen first, act decisively, and be transparent about both wins and mistakes,” he said.
He announced that his first 30 days in office would focus on listening and understanding operational realities before implementing strategic changes.
As Diaspora Insurance enters a new era under Dr Tenesi’s leadership, expectations are high that the company will strengthen its position as a trusted provider of insurance and financial protection for African diaspora communities worldwide.
“We are one team now,” Dr Tenesi concluded. “Let’s build something we are proud of.”
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