Non-Executive Chairman and Founder

Douw Steyn, Non-Executive Chairman and Founder of the BGL Group

Douw Steyn is a South African businessman, considered to be one of South Africa's most successful entrepreneurs, with a fast-growing international reputation. After leaving university, he joined Siemens of Germany and started with a two-year study programme under the company in Germany. He is the founder of various insurance companies both nationally and internationally, a business niche that started during his stay in Germany when he discovered the potential of selling a monthly motor policy. After a short stay in the USA, where he formed Cal-America Insurance Company, he returned to South Africa and in 1985 formed his own company, Auto and General Insurance Company. This company would form the cornerstone of his business interests, and would rest strongly on being simple, innovative and groundbreaking – where transactions were paperless, calls were recorded and computers used to make policy administration as quick and cost-effective as possible. The company quickly expanded and the limited size of the South African market meant that international expansion was essential.

Douw set up the BGL Group's UK insurance business in 1992 and oversaw its move into broking in 1997. In 1999 he set up the Australian Insurance Company and more recently a Bermuda based Reinsurance Company.

Douw has numerous other interests including the award-winning Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg and his private game reserve, Shambala, situated in the Waterburg Mountains, as well as significant South African property interests.

Back to top