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
CFP®, Financial planner
Katie obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as well as her Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Katie has a passion for approaching financial planning holistically and she carefully compares insurer benefits (not only premiums) and finds health, risk and investment products that suit her clients’ individual needs best.
She is also a mother, wife, coffee snob and wine lover.
Shaun Thompson
Financial planner, Health Division
Shaun studied a Bachelors of Education degree along with a Higher Certificate in Financial Planning. Shaun has a passion for health planning and his goal is to help our clients better understand their health portfolios. On the weekends you will either see Shaun venturing into the Kamberg Valley, riding his bicycle or reading a book on the beach.
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.
Melissa Narainsamy
Paraplanner
Outside of work, Mel enjoys hiking, spending quality time with her family and dogs.
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
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
Administrator/ Reception
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
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.
Wenzile Luthuli
Administrator
Wenzile is focussed on gaining experience within the financial industry and is looking forward to one day being a Financial Planner. She enjoys going to the beach, being around good company and is very family orientated.
Elaine Chetty
Health Administrator
Elaine supports Shaun in our Health division. She is dedicated to maintaining a strong work ethic and ensures positive relationships with both her colleagues and clients. Apart from work, Elaine places importance on her home and family life. She finds fulfilment by effectively managing her personal and professional responsibilities, while striking a balance between the two.
Daria Budzinski
Short Term Underwriter
Daria started a career in psychology and nursing, before finding her niche in short term insurance in 2009. She prides herself in being an efficient and friendly underwriter, who always takes her clients best interests at heart. A mother of two, she excels at multitasking, balancing work and family life.
Simone Shepherd
Claims Administrator & Admin Support
Simone is our versatile and always helpful claims administrator. She is driven by excellent customer service and enjoys interacting with clients. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting the local farmers markets and loves wildlife, snorkelling and the great outdoors. She is fun loving and always keen for a good laugh.
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.
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.