Craig Simpson
Head of Business Advice
Craig has an extensive career in the insurance industry having started in 1989 in his home country of South Africa. Along with experience in New Zealand, he has also worked extensively with the London markets. During this time Craig has developed skills in risk management, complex claims, risk placement, product development and distribution and business leadership and structure.
Craig is a Certified Insurance Practitioner and holds a Dip IB , a NZCFS 5(v2), holds Representative and Key Individual status from Insurance Institute of South Africa, has served as a member of the Institute of Risk Management SA (IRMSA), and Institute of Directors South Africa.
Craig loves all sports. He surfs, plays golf, and enjoys mountain biking and fly fishing.
Suzie Cromb
Business Risk Adviser
Suzie brought her diverse experience in insurance and risk management to MAS in 2021, having started in the industry in 2011. Suzie has a continual need to learn and holds a NZCFS 5(v2) Dip IB, Dip IRM and is a Certified Insurance Practitioner.
Away from work you’ll find Suzie with her pack of dogs, training and competing in dryland sled dog racing events around New Zealand.
Gert Stander
Business Risk Adviser
Gert is a proud South African born Kiwi. Over his 18-year insurance career, he has developed a relentless pursuit of excellence and effective, bespoke solutions for MAS Members. His motto is “Members first” with everything he does. Outside of work Gert has a passion for all sport and has 2 daughters.
Gert holds a NZCFS 5(v2) qualification and is a Certified Insurance Practitioner.
John Brans
Business Risk Adviser
John’s experience includes working for a national insurance broking firm where he managed a large portfolio of clients in commercial and rural sectors. Prior to this, John was a Detective with New Zealand Police and believes in building strong, interpersonal relationships.
Having originated from Zimbabwe, John enjoys a range of outdoor exploration and is also involved in musical theatre. John holds a NZCFS 5(v2) qualification.
Rajnil Maharaj
Business Risk Adviser
Rajnil has 12 years of experience in broking and underwriting in both heavy and light commercial business, having worked at a large international broker and a national bank.
He is a strong believer that honesty and integrity are key components that have helped him build strong relationships and establish successful partnerships.
Rajnil holds BCom, Dip IB and NZCFS 5(v2) and is a Certified Insurance Practitioner.
Outside of work Rajnil loves spending time with his family and heading out for a run.
Colin McTaggart
Business Risk Adviser
Colin has been part of the MAS team since 2008 after transferring from the banking industry. Over this period, he has provided our Members with advice on finance, life and disability insurance, retirement planning, and protecting their personal assets.
In recent years, Colin has been a member of a small but dedicated team that has been supporting our Members with their business insurance and property renovation insurance requirements.
Colin has a NZCFS 5(v2).
Andy Williams
Business Risk Adviser
Andy has been with MAS since 2000 and has over 30 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry gained both here and in the UK.
Away from work Andy is an accomplished brass musician with numerous national titles in New Zealand and Australia, including the top brass soloist prize in New Zealand. He has 3 children studying in the fields of IT, design, and bio-medical science.
Andy has a NZCFS 5(v2).
Chris Coughey
Business Risk Adviser
Chris has a passion for people and finding suitable solutions. She has worked in insurance for over 15 years and attained her NZCFS 5(v2), Dip IB and is a Certified Insurance Practitioner.
Chris has experience of running a small business, which has given her an understanding of the stresses and rewards of having a business.
Chris is passionate about giving back to the community, so you’ll regularly find her volunteering at a soup kitchen and offering budgeting advice.
Matt Taylor
Business Risk Adviser
Matt joined MAS in February 2024 and has been in the industry for over 7 years with a large portion with a large corporate broker, where he managed a SME portfolio and enjoys the technology and cyber insurance space and is looking forward to being one of the MAS cyber insurance specialists going forward.
Matt enjoys spending time with his new wife, his 2 Cavoodles pups and working out in his home gym. Matt has a NZCFS 5(v2) qualification.
Andrew Robb
Business Risk Adviser
Andrew has recently rejoined MAS after a short stint at Kiwibank, prior to this he first started at MAS in 2007.
Andrew is passionate about supporting our Members and making sure the businesses have the covers needed to ensure they can weather any storm. Andrew loves travelling abroad, seeing new places, is a keen gardener and loves to cook and entertain friends.
Andrew has a degree in Management, MAS General Insurance equivalency certification and is currently undertaking NZCFS 5(v2).