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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
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, 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.

Claire van der Westhuizen

General Manager – Commercial Underwriting
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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Landi Arlow

General Manager - Operations
Landi joined the company in 2013 as a Claims Consultant and quickly made significant strides within the organization. By 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Claims Department, and in 2018, she transitioned to a Team Leadership role in the Personal Underwriting Department. Her rapid progression continued with her appointment as General Manager of the department. In October 2021, after successfully overseeing the Personal Underwriting team, Landi was promoted to General Manager of Operations. In this diverse role, she manages the company’s day-to-day operations, collaborating closely with General Managers across various departments to optimize workflows, enhance service delivery, and drive overall operational success.
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Carla Van Niekerk

General Manager - Personal Underwriting & Sales and Account Management
Carla joined the company in 2014 as an Underwriter in the Personal Lines Department and quickly distinguished herself as a top-performing employee. In 2018, she was promoted to a Team Leadership position, and by January 2019, she advanced to Manager of the Sales and Account Management department. In April 2023, Carla expanded her responsibilities to include the management of the Personal Underwriting department. Alongside her team, she oversees the onboarding of more than 70 new clients each month and manages a portfolio of over 7,000 personal clients nationwide.
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Jenean Els

General Manager - Claims
Jenean joined the company in 2014 as a Claims Consultant, and her exceptional skills and leadership quickly became evident. By 2017, she was entrusted with the management of the Claims Department. In her current role, Jenean leads our dedicated Claims Team, overseeing the processing of both personal and commercial claims within insurer mandates. She ensures the seamless handling and finalisation of claims, including those with non-mandated insurers, ensuring clients receive timely and efficient service. Jenean's deep understanding of the claims process and her commitment to operational excellence are central to the department's success in managing complex claims across a broad client base.
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Kayser Baird was founded in Durban in 1986. We have grown to become one of the largest and most successful independent brokers in the country.

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Email
info@kayserbaird.co.za

Phone
+27 31 767 8000

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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.