Meet Our Team

True independence partnered with a history of success is the only way to invest.

Mark Flanagan

CFP® Director

Mark is the founder of Asset Tree and holds an Advanced Post Graduate in Financial Planning. Besides being committed to, and passionate about, upholding standards of excellence, honesty and integrity, Mark is also a passionate student of Behavioural Finance Coaching.

When not in the office, you more than likely will find ‘Flan the Man’ on his bicycle or in the bush (where you probably won’t be able to get hold of him).

Duncan Gow

CFP® Director

Duncan, along with his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, has an Advanced Post Graduate in Financial Planning. The intricacies of investments, both local and off-shore, is what Duncan loves and his unending desire to learn more, is what sets him apart.

Duncan loves spending time with his family, reading books or spending time in the garden.

Helene Buzzard

Director and Short-Term Underwriter

Helene is a director of our Short Term Insurance Division. She started her Short-Term Insurance career in Canada 20 years ago. She is passionate about the insurance industry and always strives to provide clients with the best solutions for their short-term insurance. She is a busy mother of two children, they constantly keep her entertained with their antics. On the weekends, Helene likes to spend time with her family and enjoys volunteering at school events, as well as local charities.

Katie Smit

Katie Smit

CFP®, Financial Planner & Health Advisor

Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. She takes a holistic, client-focused approach to financial planning, carefully comparing insurer benefits to deliver tailored health, risk, and investment solutions. She currently gives advice to all the Medical Aid and Gap clients at Asset Tree and is committed to providing high-quality, personalised advice & service. Katie is a mother of two young girls and is married to Nic. They love Durban and the community they live in.
Christiaan Claassens

Christiaan Claassens

Financial planner

Chris has a deep passion for golf , a sport that continually challenges him while teaching discipline, patience, and balance. To him, golf mirrors life: success comes through focus, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. At the core of everything he does is a genuine desire to connect with people and help them achieve their goals , both personally and financially. He strives on making a difference in a clients life.
James Kennedy

James Kennedy

Financial Planner

James holds a BCom (Hons) in Financial Management and joins us having spent the last six years in Joburg working in financial operations. He is currently studying his Certified Financial Planner designation.James has a strong passion for helping people and is a strong believer of the saying “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. He believes that trust and honesty form the foundation for a successful relationship, both personally and professionally. Outside of the office, you’ll likely find James either on the golf course, the padel court or in the Drakensberg with a fly rod in hand.
Kate Thomson

Kate Thomson

Paraplanner

Kate holds a BComm Accounting degree and has a passion for the industry. Kate’s love of data and planning has led to her heading up the admin team and paraplanning for our clients. She loves to listen to books when she is not spending time with her daughter and furry kids.

Cathy Davis

Cathy Davis

Head administrator

Cathy has a love for the dynamic financial service industry as well as getting to know our clients. Cathy loves walking our beautiful city and braaing with family and friends whilst sport is on, especially cricket.

Andrew Warriner

Andrew Warriner

Administrator

Providing our clients with service excellence is what Andrew is passionate about and the engine room is where we always strive to make processes run smoothly. Andrew enjoys trips to the Bush or the Drakensberg and appreciates the beauty of our country.

Jamie Blumenfeld

Jamie Blumenfeld

Paraplanner

Jamie is your go-to person at the front desk. She thrives on ensuring everyone has a positive experience from the moment they walk through our doors and assists with any needs that come up. When she’s not busy handling reception duties, you can find her making fun plans to spend time outdoors with her family and friends. She is always up for a chat, so feel free to catch up with her when you are next in.

Valencia Francis

Valencia Francis

Administrator

Valencia is a customer centric individual who is passionate and enthusiastic about everything she does. She is also an extraordinary cook and baker who loves spending time with her family in the kitchen trying new things and making awesome memories.

Lee-Anne Knibbs

Lee-Anne Knibbs

Short Term Underwriter

Lee-Anne has 20 years experience in the insurance industry and enjoys the ever-changing world of short-term insurance. She is a dedicated underwriter who builds strong relationships with her clients.  On the weekends, you will find Lee-Anne on a soccer pitch supporting her son or at the beach enjoying the sunshine. She is kind-hearted and an avid animal lover.

Christian Francis

Christian Francis

Administrator/ Reception

Christian is someone who thrives on serving others. Whether he is assisting a team member, or supporting a client, he brings enthusiasm and care. He is known for being super helpful and always ready to lend a hand. When not at work you will find him happiest in a farm environment.

Cheryl Nxumalo

Cheryl Nxumalo

Administrator & Health Support

Cheryl is passionate about improving the client experience and is dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Her current goal is to gain more experience in the industry. On weekends she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring everything Durban has to offer.

Your success is what defines us!

We understand that you approach our team because of who we are, not simply because of all the services we offer you. This is why we have forged together a team with a strong culture of partnership that injects expertise and energy into every client’s portfolio.

Our pledge is to stick with you to create a real and lasting relationship throughout your financial planning.

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