Cindy Frantzeskos

“I got involved in insurance by chance, but found that my outgoing personality was perfectly suited to dealing with clients in the employee benefits sector and explaining their options to them. But then, members of my family experienced immense hardships through not having adequate cover in place when a spouse died. I realised I could make a difference by teaching people financial literacy and empowering them to understand their company benefits. Later, I was able to encourage another family member to take out disability and dread-disease policies. She later sadly died, but her family continues to benefit from the prudent decisions she made. This situation plays itself out countless times in the lives of so many of my clients. I am very fortunate to be in my position and to be able to positively impact people and their families.”

Experience

Cindy started out as a Life and Pensions Underwriter for Standard General Ascurziani Generali/Sage Life. Her role entailed assessing members' medical and financial risk while also underwriting claims. She then moved to Alexander Forbes where she worked as a consultant looking after corporate clients during which time she worked on 30 insured and 20 self-administered clients. She then joined Standard Bank as a Director, followed by starting her own organisation - Pentagram Corporate Benefits where she was a consultant to Retirement and Risk Benefit Funds for various Employer Groups.

Cindy joined BDO in 2006 as a Director of Employee Benefits. At BDO she (together with her team) consults and does monthly maintenance of fund accounts to over 100 Employee benefit plans. She is involved in setting up and managing Corporate Retirement Funds for Employer Groups Investment Strategy /Cost analysis / Structure / Member and Employer Communication /Recommendations to the relevant Boards of Management.

Other

Away from the office, Cindy loves cycling and reading.