10 Questions for the head of Budget Insurance Tyrone Lowther

We sat down with head of Budget Insurance Tyrone Lowther to discuss the brands 25th birthday, it’s growth over the years and of course in true Budget style we couldn’t make it a “normal” interview. We added some personal questions that help peel the corporate layer and reveal the man behind the title.

1. If Budget was a person what would their nickname be?

All my colleagues call Budget, The Blue Smurfs and they call me Papa Smurf. That has stuck with us for the last 5 years, our blood is blue. So, I think Blue Smurf is the perfect nickname.

2. Which one of our iconic ads, is your favourite?

Without a doubt, the Good South African ads with Archie and Faf. They just have such a feel-good feeling to them.

3. What ingredient do you need to make the perfect kota?

Bring on the Tobasco sauce! If Tobasco sauce came in blue, I’d want to try that one.

4. What did your first day as the head of Budget look like?

I spent the first day with my Joburg team connecting one on one and then as a group. I then flew to Durban the next day and did the same. It was like a first date, just really trying to get to know the people. Kept it simple.

5. What would you say to your 25-year-old self?

Life is a continuous journey, so where you find yourself now, is not where you will be in the future, both personally and professionally, so embrace and enjoy the good times, move on quickly from the hard and sad times and keep nudging forward.

6. Which song would you perform at karaoke?

Gangster’s Paradise by Coolio, one of the best 90’s classics!

7. What do you love most about the Budget brand?

So many things…The proposition in trying to help democratize insurance for all. No different to every child having a right to education or every human having a right to quality medical care or water. Every person should have the right to have their assets insured and protected from an unforeseen peril at a fair and affordable price by making it more accessible. I also love the humor of the brand but still highlighting the importance of being insured which makes it more relatable and authentic to everyday ordinary people.

8. What’s the most ridiculous thing you believed as a child?

There is actually two, that teddy bears came to life after midnight and danced in the lounge and also that Jack Frost would come fetch you from your bedroom while you were sleeping if you didn’t bath before going to bed.

9. What is your most prized possession?

My music collection, either bought or downloaded over the years. All types, different genre’s, there is an artist, album, and song for any occasion or a particular moment.

10. Your wish for the brand for the next 25 years?

In 25 years’ time I will be Grandfather Smurf! I remember it like yesterday when we celebrated onboarding our first 1 000 customers and there has been so many celebratory moments since then. My wish is that Budget continues to grow and prosper by sharing itself and giving all South Africans value. Wouldn’t it be worth a memorable celebration if “Budget could help all South Africans have a budget for insurance”.

Now you see why these Budget ads are so funny, Papa Smurf is the captain of the humour ship and we’re sailing into the sunset with big smiles.

The next 25 years are going to be magical! We’re excited to journey with you.