Driven to innovate
What sets VCIB apart is our binding authorities, which allow us to efficiently handle administrative tasks and claims processing on behalf of insurers. This streamlined approach enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients, ensuring their needs are met promptly and professionally.
We blend innovation with tradition. We believe in harnessing the power of technology and innovation to enhance our efficiency and improve the customer experience, all while maintaining the personal touch that our clients value us for. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our clients in an ever-evolving insurance landscape.
Our History
Founded in 1975, is a proud independent insurance brokerage that has been serving clients with unwavering dedication for over four decades.
Our History VCIB, an independent insurance brokerage, has been dedicated to serving clients since its inception in 1975. The company was founded by Chris Copeland, who left his corporate career to become a partner and owner. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the firm’s success. In 2007, the legacy continued with Ryan Copeland joining the team, bringing a fresh perspective and driving innovation alongside his father. Together, they have led VCIB with a commitment to personalized service and tailored insurance solutions, earning the trust of individuals and businesses alike.
With a professional team boasting over 150 years of combined experience, VCIB stands as a testament to the power of experience and expertise in delivering exceptional service. The leadership and account executive team, including Ryan Copeland as Managing Director and Chris Copeland as Director, have been pivotal in maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence.
VCIB’s journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to its values and ethos, ensuring that every client receives the attention and solutions they deserve. As VCIB looks to the future, it continues to build on its rich history, embracing new challenges and opportunities with the same passion and integrity that have been its hallmark for over four decades.
Our Vision
Personalized Service, Competitive Offerings
Our vision at VCIB is clear – to offer personalized service through our tailored insurance solutions and deliver competitive offerings. We are dedicated to providing insurance solutions that cater to the unique needs of both businesses and individuals.
Our Mission
Leading Provider of Insurance Solutions
Our mission is to become a leading provider of insurance solutions to businesses and individuals. We are driven by our passion for excellence, our commitment to efficiency, our dedication to innovation, and our unwavering integrity.
Our Values
Our values are the foundation of our success. They are ingrained in our culture and are embraced by all of our staff. They guide us in achieving our mission and vision and reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service.
Passion
VCIB’s passion is the driving force behind our relentless pursuit of excellence, inspiring a dedicated approach to delivering outstanding insurance solutions.
Efficiency
Efficiency at VCIB means streamlining processes and optimizing performance to ensure swift and reliable service for every client.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of VCIB, where creative thinking and cutting-edge technology converge to develop forward-thinking insurance products.
Integration
Integrity is the cornerstone of VCIB’s operations, ensuring honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all our dealings.
Our Leadership &
Client Service Team
Lee Ann Fisher
Account Executive
As a qualified and passionate insurance risk advisor, Lee Ann strives to deliver proactive, tailored solutions for short insurance needs. She believes insurance should be straightforward. Whether working with businesses or high net worth individuals, she takes pride in explaining complex concepts in plain terms, so that clients fully understand how their insurance works for them. Where others see policies, Lee-Ann see partnerships. This mindset has earned the trust of clients and allowed Lee-Ann to build lasting client relationships by deeply understanding unique risk profiles, ensuring peace of mind through expert advice and seamless claims support. She is commitment to service excellence and providing honest, proactive advice, simplifying complex insurance choices. Beyond insurance, Lee-Ann values an active lifestyle, finding balance through outdoor adventures and fitness.
Danielle Cronje
Account Executive
Danielle has been part of VCIB for over 10 years, since 2014. She is passionate about building lasting relationships and is valued for her nurturing nature and excellent customer service. She has over 10 years’ experience in the short-term insurance industry. In her free time, Danielle enjoys playing padel, spending time with family and escaping to the bush.
Yaseen Naude
Claims Manager
Yaseen joined VCIB in 2021 and was promoted to Claims Manager in 2023. With almost 10 years’ experience in insurance, Yaseen plays an instrumental part in the VCIB Leadership team, ensuring efficient and proactive claims service delivery from our claims team at all times. He values integrity and believes in putting our client’s needs first. He is constantly striving to deliver memorable customer service experiences. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter and building their future together.
Bernice van Leeuwen
General Manager
Bernice Joined VCIB as the General Manager in 2020. She is responsible for VCIB’s overall operational success, adherence to regulatory compliance and ensuring excellent service delivery. Bernice is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry and a vast skill set, she is passionate about innovation, digital transformation and personal growth of each individual team member and wants to see a world changed by those brave enough to embrace change and innovate. She spends her spare time with her two teenagers exploring South Africa and loves yoga and being outdoors on a jog or a hike.
Ryan Copeland
Managing Director
Ryan is a dedicated and experienced professional who currently serves as a key leader at VCIB. In this role, he is responsible for servicing his clients, overseeing operations, and driving business growth. Prior to joining VCIB, Ryan spent 5 years at RMB, honing his skills and expertise.
Ryan’s approach is guided by a strong set of values and ethos, including a commitment to excellence, integrity, and building long-lasting relationships. He is passionate about achieving goals and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys staying active through exercise and golf, and cherishes time spent with his loving wife and two children
Chris Copeland
Director
Chris is a seasoned veteran in the insurance industry with over five decades of experience. He began his career in 1969 and has a background in finance and insurance, having worked at Barclays Bank and National Employers Mutual General Insurance. He is known for his expertise in short-term insurance and has been a Partner at Vaal Central Insurance Brokers since 1978. Currently, Chris serves as a Director and the Senior Partner at VCIB, managing the company with his son and co-partner, Ryan Copeland.
Megan Simons
Team Leader - Underwriting
Megans insurance career began in 2013, specializing in construction guarantees, which laid a strong foundation for her journey in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Short-Term Insurance, and over the years, Megan has developed a deep passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of insurance with confidence and clarity.
Outside of work, Megan is a proud parent of two wonderful boys who keep her inspired every day. During her downtime, you’ll often find Megan building puzzles or relaxing with her family. Above all, Megan is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, both professionally and personally.
Megan Simons
Team Leader - Underwriting
Megans insurance career began in 2013, specializing in construction guarantees, which laid a strong foundation for her journey in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Short-Term Insurance, and over the years, Megan has developed a deep passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of insurance with confidence and clarity.
Outside of work, Megan is a proud parent of two wonderful boys who keep her inspired every day. During her downtime, you’ll often find Megan building puzzles or relaxing with her family. Above all, Megan is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, both professionally and personally.
Chris Copeland
Director
Chris is a seasoned veteran in the insurance industry with over five decades of experience. He began his career in 1969 and has a background in finance and insurance, having worked at Barclays Bank and National Employers Mutual General Insurance. He is known for his expertise in short-term insurance and has been a Partner at Vaal Central Insurance Brokers since 1978. Currently, Chris serves as a Director and the Senior Partner at VCIB, managing the company with his son and co-partner, Ryan Copeland.
Ryan Copeland
Managing Director
Ryan is a dedicated and experienced professional who currently serves as a key leader at VCIB. In this role, he is responsible for servicing his clients, overseeing operations, and driving business growth. Prior to joining VCIB, Ryan spent 5 years at RMB, honing his skills and expertise.
Ryan’s approach is guided by a strong set of values and ethos, including a commitment to excellence, integrity, and building long-lasting relationships. He is passionate about achieving goals and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys staying active through exercise and golf, and cherishes time spent with his loving wife and two children
Bernice van Leeuwen
General Manager
Bernice Joined VCIB as the General Manager in 2020. She is responsible for VCIB’s overall operational success, adherence to regulatory compliance and ensuring excellent service delivery. Bernice is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry and a vast skill set, she is passionate about innovation, digital transformation and personal growth of each individual team member and wants to see a world changed by those brave enough to embrace change and innovate. She spends her spare time with her two teenagers exploring South Africa and loves yoga and being outdoors on a jog or a hike.
Yaseen Naude
Claims Manager
Yaseen joined VCIB in 2021 and was promoted to Claims Manager in 2023. With almost 10 years’ experience in insurance, Yaseen plays an instrumental part in the VCIB Leadership team, ensuring efficient and proactive claims service delivery from our claims team at all times. He values integrity and believes in putting our client’s needs first. He is constantly striving to deliver memorable customer service experiences. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter and building their future together.
Danielle Cronje
Account Executive
Danielle has been part of VCIB for over 10 years, since 2014. She is passionate about building lasting relationships and is valued for her nurturing nature and excellent customer service. She has over 10 years’ experience in the short-term insurance industry. In her free time, Danielle enjoys playing padel, spending time with family and escaping to the bush.
Lee Ann Fisher
Account Executive
As a qualified and passionate insurance risk advisor, Lee Ann strives to deliver proactive, tailored solutions for short insurance needs. She believes insurance should be straightforward. Whether working with businesses or high net worth individuals, she takes pride in explaining complex concepts in plain terms, so that clients fully understand how their insurance works for them. Where others see policies, Lee-Ann see partnerships. This mindset has earned the trust of clients and allowed Lee-Ann to build lasting client relationships by deeply understanding unique risk profiles, ensuring peace of mind through expert advice and seamless claims support. She is commitment to service excellence and providing honest, proactive advice, simplifying complex insurance choices. Beyond insurance, Lee-Ann values an active lifestyle, finding balance through outdoor adventures and fitness.