Co-founded in 2011 by Richard Hood and Derek Strydom, the company was initially an independent retail insurance broker and focused on providing risk and insurance solutions to businesses. Apio Group increased its capacity in 2017 by establishing subsidiary companies: Apio Risk Solutions (trade credit, bonds and guarantees) and Apio Wealth (financial planning, employee benefits and life insurance) to become a leading diversified financial services business.
In 2021 Apio Group became part of the OLEA group of companies unlocking significant potential becoming the only Pan African broking business in South Africa with an extensive footprint in Africa, operating in North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa.
Oliver Dubois and Olivier Canuel, two entrepreneurs, founded OLEA in 2017. The team is operated by an international coordination team based in Paris. This unique network was established through a mix of buy-outs of 15 brokerage firms and the opening of nine greenfield subsidiaries, allowing for comprehensive geographical coverage.
The OLEA Group offers services to companies investing in Africa, and international brokers without a presence on the continent. Our team caters to the growing demand for innovation and expert advice, helping clients effectively manage risks on the African continent.
On 31 July 2023, Apio Group rebranded as OLEA South Africa. This partnership consolidated a blend of South African expertise and market capacity, with locally based servicing capability for both local and cross border operations.
Regional hubs in Abidjan, Nairobi and Johannesburg
Head Office in Paris
Subsidiaries in the network
Employees in our subsidiaries
Correspondents
M USD of premium placed in 2022
% Part of the capital owned by the founders
Languages spoken in our subsidiaries
Internation programmes serviced in Africa
Average age of our Managing Directors
We are driven by strong values of integrity, proximity, innovation, independence and excellence.
We strive to deliver a superior insurance experience for all individuals and businesses.
The individuals that make up our team and network are our most valuable resource.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse, highly qualified, knowledgeable group of insurance professionals. Many of our staff have extensive experience in corporate insurance and risk consulting. To continue this, our internal development program helps others to cultivate their expertise and excel in the industry.
We are proud members of the Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA) — which represents the top insurance brokers in South Africa — and the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI).
We are committed to upholding FIA’s constitution and respecting its Code of Conduct. We endeavour to upload the industry’s rigorous professionalism and integrity
As a result of our commitment to improving people's lives, we take great pride in the long-standing relationships we have with many of our clients and partners. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to an open, honest, authentic and pragmatic way of doing business.
To ensure that our clients receive exceptional service we only work with reputable insurance partners.
