Our Team
At Phoenix Insurance Brokers North (PIBN), our team is built on decades of combined industry experience, steady leadership and an unwavering focus on our clients’ needs. Each member of our leadership group brings a depth of expertise across specialist insurance fields, complemented by a practical, hands-on approach that ensures clients receive clear, reliable and well-considered risk guidance.
We believe that exceptional service comes from understanding each client’s unique environment and providing solutions that balance technical insight with real-world practicality. Our team’s longstanding industry backgrounds—spanning broking, underwriting, construction and engineering insurance, risk advisory and strategic account management—allow us to support businesses with confidence and consistency.
While our experience is broad, our commitment is simple: to build strong, lasting relationships and deliver solutions that genuinely support our clients’ success. Together, we work to provide a steady and trusted foundation for managing risk in a changing world.
Desmond (Des) Roos
Chairman
Des has worked in the insurance industry since 1975, developing a career grounded in practical insight, steady leadership, and a long-standing commitment to supporting clients with clear and reliable advice. His early roles at AA Mutual and later in branch management positions gave him a strong understanding of both client service and operational delivery.
After progressing to Regional Manager at Highveld Brokers, he co-founded his own brokerage in 1983, strengthening his ability to design insurance solutions that respond directly to clients’ priorities. In 2003 he joined FNB Insurance Brokers to lead the Cape Town team, where he played a meaningful role in both branch growth and national strategy before moving to PIBN in 2012.
Des has dedicated much of his career to Construction Insurance—both civil and building—and is well regarded for his depth of expertise in this field. He continues to guide clients through technically complex risks with a calm, informed approach built on decades of experience. He holds a Higher Certificate in Insurance Studies.
Michael (Mike) van der Merwe
CEO
Mike began his insurance broking career in 1996 through Aon Durban’s graduate programme, gaining early experience in marketing, client engagement, and portfolio development. In 2001 he transitioned into branch leadership in Port Elizabeth, strengthening his operational understanding while remaining focused on consistent client service.
He went on to lead the Cape Town office of FNB Insurance Brokers before returning to Aon as Branch Manager, balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on involvement in corporate client portfolios. In 2007 he rejoined FNB Insurance Brokers to work alongside Des Roos, focusing on specialist areas such as construction, transport, and liability insurance.
Mike moved to PIBN in 2012, bringing with him a practical, service-driven approach and many years of technical experience. He holds a BCom Honours in Economics and a Diploma in Insurance Studies.
Gideon (Deon) du Preez
Director
Deon began his career in 1999 with ABSA Insurance Brokers, developing early experience in client service and marketing. He later joined First Bowring Insurance Brokers, transferring to the Cape Town office in 2003, where he strengthened his technical understanding of engineering and construction risks under the guidance of Des Roos.
In 2007 he joined Mirabilis, Santam’s engineering and construction underwriting division, broadening his exposure to specialist risk environments. Drawn back to client-facing broking, he re-joined FNB Insurance Brokers in 2008, eventually becoming Branch Manager of the Cape Town office in 2015.
Deon joined PIBN in 2018 to work alongside Des and Mike once again. His experience now extends into various specialist lines, including growing involvement in renewable energy risks. He holds a Higher Certificate in Insurance Studies.
Philip Spies
Strategic Accounts Manager
Philip has worked in insurance and risk management since 2005, building a career focused on practical expertise, client support, and clear advisory guidance. He began in business development at Alexander Forbes Insurance before moving into broking roles within Alexander Forbes Risk Services and later Marsh, gaining experience in both commercial and complex risk environments.
His academic background includes studies in Risk Management through UNISA, a Fellowship with the Insurance Institute of South Africa, and a Fast-Track MBA from Henley Business School. During his time in Marsh’s Risk Management Practice, he worked closely with large and listed organisations, helping clients navigate specialised portfolios with confidence.
Philip joined SHA’s leadership team in 2020, contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening service delivery and client engagement. After completing further development through Harvard Business Impact, he joined PIBN in 2025 as Strategic Accounts Manager. His focus remains on thoughtful, well-considered advice that supports clients’ immediate needs and long-term objectives.
Jolene Meade-Medlicott
Operations Manager
Jolene has 23 years’ experience in the insurance industry, with her career spanning brokerage, underwriting managing agents, and insurer environments. Her career has provided her with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of insurance operations and the interface between brokers and insurers.
She began her career in 2003 at CGI Insurance Brokers, gaining early experience in tailored motor dealership schemes in collaboration with financial institutions such as Toyota Financial Services. In 2005, she joined Mutual & Federal, where she broadened her technical exposure across Agri, Marine, Engineering, and large corporate claims.
Jolene later transitioned into portfolio management at Regent Insurance Company before moving into specialist and niche insurance, including transporter insurance. Her career progression culminated in her role as National Underwriting Manager at Bryte Specialist Motor, reflecting her depth of experience and leadership within specialist underwriting.
She joined PIBN in 2023, where she applies her strong operational expertise, process-driven approach, and deep understanding of insurance workflows to support effective engagement, operational alignment, and practical value creation across the network.