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 holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Higher Certificate in Financial Planning. With a strong passion for helping clients understand and manage their portfolios, Shaun is dedicated to making financial planning accessible and meaningful. Outside of work, you’ll often find him exploring the Kamberg Valley, cycling, or spending time with his young family.
Christiaan Claassens
Financial planner
I have a strong love for golf, which not only challenges me but also provides a space for growth, discipline, and balance. For me, golf, like life is about patience, focus, and continuous improvement. At the heart of everything I do, is a desire to connect and help others achieve their goals, both personally and financially.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Administrator
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.