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, VCIB has built a proud legacy as an independent insurance brokerage rooted in trust, integrity, and personalised service.
Established by Chris Copeland, whose vision and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the business, VCIB has grown steadily over the decades, earning the confidence of both individual and commercial clients.
In 2007, Ryan Copeland joined the business, bringing fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach. Today, as the sole Shareholder and Managing Director, Ryan continues to build on this strong foundation, guiding VCIB into its next phase of growth with a focus on innovation, client experience, and long-term partnerships. He is supported by Bernice van Leeuwen as General Manager, who plays a key role in driving operational excellence, service delivery, and strategic initiatives across the business.
With a professional team boasting over 150 years of combined experience, VCIB remains a testament to the power of expertise and consistency. The leadership and account executive team are committed to maintaining the high standards and personalised approach that have defined the brokerage for over four decades.
VCIB’s journey is grounded in a steadfast commitment to its values, ensuring every client receives tailored advice and meaningful support. As the business looks to the future, it continues to evolve while staying true to the principles that have shaped its success — delivering trusted insurance solutions with professionalism, care, and integrity.
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.
Integrity
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
Megan Simons
Underwriting Manager
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
Underwriting Manager
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.
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.
Why Choose VCIB
Choosing the right insurance partner is about more than policies. It’s about having the right advice, the right support, and a team that understands your world. At VCIB, we combine experience, independence, and a genuinely personal approach to deliver solutions that work — not just on paper, but when it matters most.
Independent, Unbiased Advice
As an independent brokerage, we are not tied to any one insurer. This means our focus remains where it should be — on you. We take the time to understand your risks and provide solutions that are tailored, practical, and aligned to your needs.
A Relationship - Driven Approach
As an independent brokerage, we are not tied to any one insurer. This means our focus remains where it should be — on you. We take the time to understand your risks and provide solutions that are tailored, practical, and aligned to your needs.
Hands-On Claims Support
When a claim arises, we don’t step back — we step in. We actively guide you through the process, engage with insurers, and advocate on your behalf to ensure fair and timely outcomes.
Depth of Experience
With over 150 years of combined experience across our team, we bring insight, technical knowledge, and consistency to every client interaction — from straightforward cover to more complex risk environments.
Practical, Solutions-Focused Advice
We don’t believe in overcomplicating insurance. Our approach is clear and grounded — we structure cover in a way that is easy to understand, relevant to your circumstances, and designed to protect what matters most to you.
A Business That Evolves with You
While our foundation is built on decades of trust, we are continuously evolving. From expanding into life insurance and retirement solutions to improving how we serve clients, we remain focused on staying relevant, responsive, and forward-thinking.
Our Promise
At VCIB, you can expect honest advice, personal accountability, and a team that is genuinely invested in protecting your interests — today and into the future.
