Matrix launches in South Africa and Turkey

Greek broker Matrix has launched two new subsidiary companies, one in South Africa and one in Turkey.

Lee-Jon Ellis has been appointed as chief executive officer (CEO) of MIRB Africa, the South African company.

He will be supported by Neesha Parbhoo, who is appointed as a director; Simphiwe Mtyali, appointed as client executive and Liza Dandah in charge of broker support.

In Turkey , Gökhan Cengiz Bozkurt has been appointed as CEO of Matrix Reasürans Brokerlik. He previously served as general manager of Nasco Karaoglan France Liaison Office Turkey.

He will be assisted by Hande Bakir, who is appointed as a director and joins from the reinsurance department of Eureko Sigorta. Hande has more than 10 years of experience in both treaty and facultative reinsurance.

Dimitris Tsesmetzoglou, CEO of Matrix, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lee and his team to Matrix. Their collective experience, expertise and solid track record in running new ventures and building market share will accelerate the goals of our wider strategy and their appointment is a testament to our determination to expand and grow in the international arena, a key factor in the continuing development of Matrix as an innovative and client focused independent broker.”

Gerry Tighe, head of treaty and vice chairman of the board of Matrix, said: “Diversification is a long term strategy for Matrix and the Turkish market is a natural first step due to proximity and cultural synergies. I believe that this is the beginning an exciting new chapter for us in a significant market with enormous growth potential.

"We have experienced impressive growth since our launch 11 years ago and as a next step we now have the opportunity and expertise to develop outside of our core domestic markets of Greece and Cyprus with a dynamic and experienced team fully supported from the head office in Athens to take on this new challenge."