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Management team

Kayser Baird is a leading independent South African short-term broker with a passion for providing affordable but comprehensive insurance solutions. Our team comprises industry-leading professionals who are committed to excellence in service and client satisfaction.

Jim Kayser

Chairman and Founder

Jim kayser

Driven by a passion for providing comprehensive and affordable short-term insurance, Jim founded Kayser Baird in 1986. His vision was to create a brokerage that prioritized client needs and delivered exceptional service, values that remain at the core of the company today. As a hands-on chairman, Jim remains actively involved in the business, providing strategic guidance and support to the team. His unwavering dedication, hard work, and perseverance have been instrumental in laying the foundation for Kayser Baird, enabling it to grow into one of the leading independent brokerages in South Africa. Under his leadership, the company has consistently focused on innovation, integrity, and client satisfaction, ensuring its continued success in a competitive market.

Michael baird

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Baird

Michael, who brings over 28 years of extensive experience in short-term insurance, joined the company as co-owner in 1996. Since then, he has been a driving force behind the firm’s success, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and strategic vision to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of insurance. Through his innovative and client-centric approach, Michael has placed exceptional service at the heart of the organization, fostering long-term relationships with clients and partners alike. Under his leadership, Kayser Baird has thrived, experiencing nearly three decades of rapid growth. Michael’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has positioned the brokerage as a leader in the industry, ensuring it remains responsive to client needs while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Landi Renwick

Director

Landi Renwick

Landi joined the company in 2013 as a Claims Consultant and quickly distinguished herself within the organization. By 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Claims Department, and in 2018, she became Manager of the Personal Lines Underwriting Department. Her continued success led to her appointment as General Manager of Operations in 2021, where she oversaw day-to-day operations, working closely with General Managers across departments to optimize workflows, improve service delivery, and drive operational excellence. In 2024, Landi was promoted to Director, where she leads strategic initiatives, enhances operational efficiency, and plays a key role in the company’s long-term growth and vision.
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Carla Van Niekerk

Director

Carla van Niekerk

Carla joined the company in 2014 as an Underwriter and quickly established herself as a top performer through her commitment to client service and business development. In January 2019, she was promoted to Manager of the Sales and Account Management Department, where she took responsibility for driving sales growth, strengthening client relationships, and overseeing the account management function. In 2024, Carla was promoted to Director in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the company's continued success. Carla now leads the Sales and Account Management Department, working with her team to onboard more than 70 new clients each month. She plays a key role in driving new business growth within Kayser Baird.
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Claire van der Westhuizen

General Manager – Commercial Underwriting

Claire van der Westhuizen

Claire has been an integral part of the company since 2006 and has led the Commercial Underwriting team as Manager since 2013. With her extensive expertise, she navigates the complexities of short-term business insurance, ensuring her team provides tailored solutions for a diverse client base. Claire oversees the management of over 3,000 business clients across the country, ranging from SMMEs to blue-chip corporates in various sectors. Her leadership is key to delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong relationships with clients, ensuring their unique insurance needs are met with precision and care.
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Melissa Van Rooyen

General Manager – Non-Motor Claims

Melissa Van Rooyen

Melissa joined Kayser Baird in 2020 in the Personal Lines underwriting department, where she quickly distinguished herself through strong technical understanding, attention to detail and a client-centred approach. She later transitioned into the Claims Department, gaining comprehensive experience across both personal and commercial claims. In 2023, she was promoted to Assistant Claims Manager, and in November 2025 was appointed General Manager of Non-Motor Claims, a role in which she now leads the department, drives process improvement, and ensures service delivery remains efficient, fair and solution-focused. With a law degree and a well-rounded background across underwriting and claims, Melissa brings valuable legal insight, operational capability and leadership strength to the team. Her focus on quality outcomes and continuous improvement supports the growth and professionalism of the claims function.
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Joshua lousteau

General Manager – Motor Claims

Joshua Lousteau

Joshua joined the company in 2017 and has grown steadily through the ranks, building a strong foundation in claims management and client service along the way. In 2024, he stepped into his current leadership role, where he now oversees all motor claims across both personal and commercial clients. In this capacity, Joshua plays a key role in ensuring that claims are handled with accuracy, urgency, and care, while maintaining strong relationships with clients, service providers, and internal teams. He champions a culture of efficiency, empathy, and professionalism within his department, consistently driving improvements in process and service delivery. Known for his calm and solution-focused approach, Joshua leads by example and continues to strengthen the team’s commitment to delivering a reliable and client-centred claims experience.
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Richard Hogg

General Manager – Technical and Strategic Partnerships

RICHARD HOGG

Richard joined our company in February 2025, bringing over four decades of experience in the South African short-term insurance industry. Having spent 31 years in senior roles within the Santam Group, he brings a wealth of technical expertise and strong industry relationships. Richard ensures our brokerage delivers specialised insurance solutions and proactive risk management strategies. He is key in managing relationships with insurance providers and strategic business partners, driving operational efficiency and enhancing our company’s market position.
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Kendal Livesey

General Manager – Personal Lines

Kendal Livesey

Kendal joined Kayser Baird in January 2020 as a Personal Underwriter and quickly established herself as a valued member of the team through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to exceptional client service. Her strong work ethic and leadership potential saw her promoted to Assistant Manager in October 2025, before progressing into her current role as Personal Lines Manager. Today, Kendal leads the Personal Lines Department, overseeing a portfolio of more than 8,000 clients nationwide.
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Directions to Cape Town Office :

If you are coming from Cape Town CBD on the N1, take the Willie Van Schoor/Durban Road turn-off and then turn left at the intersection. When you get to Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue turn left, then carry on straight until you get to Carl Cronje Drive.

Turn right at the intersection and then immediately left into the Avanti Tower Office Block.

If you are coming from Paarl on the N1, take the Willie Van Schoor/Durban Road turn-off and then turn right at the intersection. When you get to Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue turn left, then carry on straight until you get to Carl Cronje Drive.

Turn right at the intersection and then immediately left into the Avanti Tower Office Block.

Directions to Durban Office:

If you are coming from Durban go up fields hill, past the Kloof Village Rd turn-off and then take the Abrey Road turn-off (exit 24) as if you are going to the Kloof Golf Course. When you get to the top of the glide-off turn left, left again into Lyngarth and when you get to the T-Junction at Abrey Road you will see our building on your left hand side.

Coming from Pmb / Hillcrest take the Abrey Road turn-off (exit 24), turn right over the M13 and turn left in Lyngarth. At the T-Junction at Abrey Road you will see our building on your left hand side.