Adrian Gore
BSc (Hons), FFA, ASA, MAAA, FASSA, Honorary Doctorate Faculty of Commerce 2017 (Wits)
Adrian Gore founded Discovery in 1992, with a core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives. Discovery has since evolved into a diversified and multinational financial services group. Discovery is widely acknowledged as a global thought leader in behavioural change and its integration with health, life, short-term insurance, investment and banking.
Discovery listed on the JSE in 1997 and under Adrian’s leadership, has more than 12 000 employees and has expanded its international reach to 22 countries, impacting 25.7 million lives globally. In 2019, Discovery ranked among the world’s top insurance brands and was named second strongest insurance brand by Brand Finance.
Experience
Adrian is the founder and Group Chief Executive of the Discovery Group. In 1998, he was recognised as South Africa’s Best Entrepreneur by Ernst & Young, and in 2004 was chosen as South Africa’s leading CEO in the annual Moneyweb CEO of the Year Awards. In 2008, he received the Investec Award for Considerable Contribution in a Career/Profession and in 2010, he was named as the Sunday Times Business Leader of the Year. Alongside his commitments, he works with other leaders to stimulate entrepreneurship in South Africa. In 2017, Adrian received the Frost and Sullivan Visionary Innovation Leadership Award for Africa, and the Ernst & Young Global Life Time Achiever (Entrepreneurship) Award. Adrian graduated from Wits University in 1986.
Area of expertise
Strategy development and execution in leading change and building excellent financial services businesses. Strong innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills that make a significant contribution to national thought leadership and creating positive social change.
Other directorships
Past Chairperson of the Endeavor South Africa chapter, WEF Industry Council Agenda on Future Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, WHO Commission to end Childhood Obesity, Chairperson: SA SME Fund, Chairperson: King David School Foundation.
Professional body membership
Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and of the Faculty of Actuaries (Edinburgh), an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (Chicago), and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
"The more exceptional our people are, the greater impact we will have."
"While we do pride ourselves on attracting intellectual leaders who are the best in their respective fields, the truth is that our business is built on people who want to learn and grow, and push themselves to do so."
Adrian Gore