Risk profession pays tribute to Gert Cruywagen

Commercial Risk is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gert Cruywagen, a great friend, true gentleman and tireless advocate of the risk management profession. I first met Gert, formerly director of risk of the Tsogo Sun Group, Africa’s largest owner and operator of hotels and casinos, while hosting a conference for the Institute of Risk Management in London, during which he gave a highly entertaining speech based on his book: Jungle Risk Management. Gert (PhD FIRM(SA) CRM Prof (SA) RIMS CRMP (USA)) and I had dinner that night and immediately hit if off. He was a fascinating character with a great sense of humour and humility, who taught me all about the joys of South African wine and shared his love of wildlife and his exploits in his native South Africa. He was the ‘grandfather’ of corporate risk management in South Africa and organised for me to travel to that fascinating country the following year to speak at the Institute of Risk and Insurance Management Association (IRMSA) annual conference. This was the beginning of a close relationship between Commercial Risk and IRMSA that ultimately led to the launch of our dedicated African publication Commercial Risk Africa and many enjoyable trips to South Africa, usually in the company of this fascinating man. If it wasn’t for Gert, I never would have found myself taking a break in the surfing mecca of Jefferies Bay and paddling furiously to escape the teeth of two of the biggest tiger sharks I have ever encountered while on a board, an experience that gave him a very big laugh over a fine bottle of Stellenbosch in Cape Town a week later. My paddling prowess ensured that the tiger sharks left me with my legs that day but Gert ensured I was left legless that evening! Apart from being the ultimate gentleman with a huge heart and a bloody good bloke, Gert’s dedication to the advancement of risk management in South Africa, across the continent and globally was legendary. South Africa was in many ways way ahead of the curve with its approach to corporate governance as it adopted the King Report way back in 1994. Gert was heavily involved in this effort and a permanent member of the King Committee right up until his passing. The King guidelines were last updated in 2016 (the fourth time) and have been cited as “the most effective summary of the best international practices in corporate governance”. IRMSA issued a statement that detailed the huge contribution Gert made to the profession, particularly in supporting young talent. “Gert had a longstanding relationship with the institute as an esteemed fellow member. Honorary life membership was conferred to Gert in recognition of his contribution to risk management. In addition, he was one of the first individuals to successfully receive the highly sought-after designation Certified Risk Management Professional (CRM Prof). Gert also won the coveted Risk Manager of the Year award in 2001 and 2009,” stated IRMSA. “After being voted South Africa’s Risk Manager of the Year for the second time, he founded the Cruywagen-IRMSA Risk Foundation, which went on to support countless young risk professionals with internships in South Africa and in the United States of America. In 2019, he was elected president of the International Federation of Risk and Insurance Management Associations, which led to the African continent’s profile being raised globally,” added the association, for which he did so much. “We are most appreciative of his contribution to the risk fraternity. He had a huge impact in the risk community in South Africa and globally. Gert will always be remembered as a committed member and it has been an honour for so many of us to work with him, particularly with his love and passion for IRMSA and risk management. Gert will be sorely missed by so many,” added IRMSA. UK risk and insurance management association Airmic also paid tribute to Gert, who was a willing contributor to its conferences during his regular trips to the UK, thankfully giving me the chance to spend time with him on ‘home turf’ too. Airmic CEO Julia Graham was also a friend and admirer of Gert, and said: “Gert was well known to Airmic members, especially those with captives. He attended our conferences several times. Passionate about professional learning and development, Gert will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family.” I personally, and all of us at Commercial Risk, echo Julia’s words. He will, indeed, be sorely missed.

Risk profession pays tribute to Gert Cruywagen

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