Meet the Team
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Managing Director & Head of Claims & Underwriting
Christell van der Merwe
BA COM & NQF Level 5 HC – Short Term Insurance
Christell is a highly experienced insurance professional with a strong background in underwriting & claims in both, non-life & life business. Since earning her Bachelor’s Degree from North West University in 2015, she has built a successful career in the insurance industry, holding various positions in brokerages & developing knowledge and expertise in diverse underwriting case management, claims, problem solving, negotiation & business management. Her passion for the industry & assisting clients is evident in her commitment to excellence & dedication in providing exceptional service as a broker. Notably, she consistently goes above & beyond for clients, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex underwriting and claims scenarios. As the Managing Director of the business, she expects the same dedication and commitment from the entire SRS Team.
Key Individual & Director
Henry Ansara
BA LLB Dip Arb MBL
After completing his BA LLB degree at the University of Natal, Henry worked in Public Interest law at the Legal Resources Centre Durban.
After completing a Diploma in Arbitration and his MBA degree, Henry left attorney practice and commenced working in the financial services industry in late 1990s, where he has worked as an executive and non – executive director in listed and private companies. Henry has extensive knowledge and experience in both the legal & insurance fields.
Henry is an admitted Attorney and is an credited investment, life and non-life intermediary.
His current focus is on consulting, and in the business is expanding SRS’s African and European business footprint.
Claims Administrator
Marco van der Merwe
Marco is a Claims Administrator at Sensible Risk Solutions, bringing a strong foundation in sales, short-term insurance, and IT support. With a proactive mindset and a reputation for reliability, Marco combines technical acumen with client-focused service to deliver efficient claims handling and tailored solutions. His positive attitude and tireless energy make him a valued team member, consistently going above and beyond to support clients and colleagues alike. In addition to his insurance expertise, Marco has hands-on experience in IT-related matters —enhancing both productivity and service delivery.
Outside of work, Marco enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Compliance & Governance Administrator
Melinda Gowland
Melinda is an accomplished office administrator with extensive experience in administration and office support within the financial services sector. Over the course of her career, she has progressively assumed increased responsibilities, advancing from a receptionist role to various leadership positions. Melinda's vast experience, coupled with her dedication to organizational excellence and adherence to compliance standards, as well as her relentless pursuit of professional development, underpin her commitment to providing efficient, high-quality support. She is driven to continuously develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and delivery excellence.
Key Individual & Representative
Rob Moody
B-Tech Banking - Marketing & Investments
Rob has a Baccalaureus Technologiae Banking (B-Tech), with membership at the SA Institute of Financial Markets (SAIFM). With 30 years’ experience in investment banking and corporate finance at different levels of management and business ownership. 3 years ago he decided to branch out into the world of Insurance, where he started with Liberty Life and completed their extensive entrance exams and concluded all the class of business with the ability to offer advice on all of the above. As part of the SRS leadership, Rob’s focus is to take brokerage to the next business level and grow it to be a significant player in the Insurance business, with a global foot print.
Estates & Sales Agent
Rian Kotze
LLB – Admitted Attorney & Conveyancer
Rian completed his LLB degree cum laude at the University of the North-West in 2020. He has been a part of Sensible Risk Solutions since 2019 in various roles and positions. He has extensive knowledge and experience in both Personal Lines – and Commercial Short-Term Insurance, Life Risk and Investments.
Rian is an admitted attorney and conveyancer and has vast experience in the field of property law, the administration of deceased estates, drafting of wills and the establishment of trusts. Due to his legal background, Rian is in the unique position to advise our clients on a very wide range of matters, as well as how these matters may interact with each other.