Brokers and Staff

Andrew Payne is a dedicated insurance professional with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. A Qualified Practising Insurance Broker with ASIC Tier 1 accreditation, Andrew has been instrumental in shaping McKenzie Ross into the respected brokerage it is today.

Andrew’s journey began in 1995 as a cadet with McKenzie Ross, the family business founded by his father. At the time, the firm was a modest operation with just three employees and an annual turnover under $2 million. Through his commitment to professional growth and innovative leadership, Andrew played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s capabilities and market presence. Today, McKenzie Ross is recognised as a trusted name in the industry, known for delivering tailored, client-focused solutions.

As Managing Director, Andrew oversees the company’s operation with a leadership philosophy rooted in empowerment and collaboration. His extensive experience spans industries such as Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Automotive, where he excels in providing bespoke risk management strategies that align with each client’s unique needs and goals.

Andrew’s dedication to building and maintaining strong client relationships is at the heart of McKenzie Ross’ success. He believes that trust and understanding are the foundations of long-term partnerships, enabling the company to deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions that protect and support its clients. Under Andrew’s guidance, McKenzie Ross continues to grow, driven by a commitment to service excellence and innovation.

Over a career spanning more than 22 years, David has held senior executive positions at various firms in the insurance sector. In these roles, he has been responsible for the strategic development and execution of profitable growth strategies, provision of client focused business results, broking design and implementation of complex risk management programs including alternative risk and captive reinsurance solutions for large commercial and corporate businesses.

As a Director at McKenzie Ross, David is focused on clients with complex risk and insurance requirements. With a unique ability to understand and respond to their risk management requirements, David is known in the industry for delivering clever and seamless comprehensive risk programs which protect against today’s increasingly sophisticated risk exposures at best in market pricing. Known for his proactive and client-focused approach, David is highly responsive to his clients’ needs, ensuring they are prepared for unexpected challenges.

David specialises in placing insurance programs for large state-based, national and multinational companies using open market placements with local, worldwide and reinsurance markets. Some of the sectors he currently works with are Food & Beverage, Waste Management, Forestry, Civil Contracting, Plastic and Paper Product Manufacturing, Logistics and Construction.

David’s emphasis on clear communication, long-term relationship building, and measurable results aligns with McKenzie Ross’ commitment to client-first service. His extensive network and risk acumen enable him to deliver tailored strategies that safeguard businesses and provide peace of mind. Whether advising on risk mitigation or designing bespoke insurance programmes, David is dedicated to supporting his clients’ success at every step.

With over 25 years of experience in the general insurance industry, Luke is a seasoned expert in managing complex risk and insurance programmes for businesses across Australia. He began his career in 1995 with one of the country’s leading insurers, QBE, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of commercial insurance products and the critical role that effective risk transfer plays in safeguarding business cash flow and mitigating losses.

In 2007, Luke joined Allianz Australia as the State Distribution Manager for Western Australia. This role allowed him to deepen his expertise in complex insurance programs while leading a team of sales professionals. His strategic insights and leadership skills were further honed during his tenure as National Underwriting Manager in Melbourne for an intermediated division of Allianz, where he demonstrated a robust technical capability across Property and Casualty lines of business.

Recognised as an industry leader, Luke has successfully driven organisational change to enhance growth and operational efficiency. In March 2017, he decided to leverage his extensive skill set to work directly with clients, joining McKenzie Ross. His client portfolio ranges from SMEs to large national companies, reflecting his ability to tailor risk management solutions across a wide array of business needs.

Luke understands that the level and extent of risk exposure for businesses today is significantly more sophisticated and challenging than ever before. With a flair for developing exceptional stakeholder partnerships—rooted in professionalism, integrity, and trust—enables him to anticipate and address potential issues before they arise. This proactive approach not only ensures client satisfaction and retention but also fosters long-term product loyalty.

Rob is a seasoned insurance professional with a wealth of experience across notable brands such as RACV, Allianz, Toyota, Lexus and Crawford & Co. among others. His career began in 1992 with RACV Insurance, a leader in domestic insurance in Victoria. Over the years, Rob’s drive for continuous learning and his passion for General Insurance have shaped him into a knowledgeable and versatile industry expert.

Rob’s expertise is rooted in his broad understanding of business, people and culture, as well as his specialisation in process improvement. His journey led him to Allianz Australia in 1999, where he honed skills in claims, sales, people management, and underwriting, ultimately advancing into senior positions. From Allianz, he transitioned to Toyota and Lexus Insurance as their General Manager, overseeing claims, product and pricing functions.

After a brief role with McKenzie Ross in 2020 followed by a key role at Crawford Australia managing their largest account, Rob re joined McKenzie Ross in 2023 as their General Manager – Commercial. Rob now focuses on supporting mid-sized businesses, family-owned enterprises, and property owners, taking pride in his role as a client advocate. His dedication to delivering value in every client and staff staff interaction defines his approach. In addition to his broking expertise, Rob plays a key role in driving people strategy and executing broader organisational initiatives at McKenzie Ross.

Natalie is a highly skilled insurance professional whose extensive career spans more than 30 years, with a specialised focus on marine insurance and complex risk management. Her deep-rooted expertise, developed through her experience in underwriting and broking, positions her as a trusted advisor to her clients.

She began her journey with leading marine insurer Associated Marine, where she dedicated over 20 years as an underwriter, gaining invaluable experience across the Melbourne, Brisbane, Albury, and Auckland offices. Throughout her tenure, Natalie built her knowledge of marine risks, particularly in the Transport and Logistics sector and in relation to Import and Export businesses, plus Liability risks associated with Marine and Shipping operations.

In 2014, Natalie made the transition to insurance broking, leveraging her comprehensive understanding of underwriting to provide tailored solutions to her clients. She joined McKenzie Ross in 2019 as an Account Executive and quickly advanced to the role of Account Manager. Today, as Manager – Broking, she manages a diverse portfolio of mid-market and complex risk clients across various industries. In addition to her client responsibilities, Natalie plays a crucial role in mentoring and supporting the team of account managers, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience.

Natalie is known for her commitment to understanding her clients’ businesses in depth, enabling her to deliver bespoke and cost-effective insurance solutions. She prides herself on building strong, long-lasting relationships with both clients and insurers, underpinned by her dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. Her proactive and client-centric approach ensures that she provides exceptional service and adds significant value to the businesses she supports.

Renee is a dedicated insurance professional who has rapidly progressed in her career since entering the industry in 2021. She began her journey in New Zealand as a Broker Support, where she gained a strong foundation in insurance fundamentals while assisting with the management of a high-value portfolio. During this time, she also completed her Tier 1 qualifications, equipping her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field.

In 2022, Renee relocated to Melbourne and joined McKenzie Ross as an Account Executive, providing vital support to the mid-market team. Her commitment to client service and her keen attention to detail quickly set her apart, leading to her promotion to Account Manager in January 2024. In her current role within the Small to Mid-Market Team, Renee manages her own portfolio, leveraging her expertise in client relationship management, policy negotiations, and the development of tailored insurance solutions for small to medium- sized businesses.

Renee’s proactive and client-focused approach has earned her a reputation for delivering exceptional service. She is dedicated to continually expanding her industry knowledge and is committed to ensuring that her clients receive the most effective and comprehensive insurance solutions to protect their businesses.

Kayla is a highly skilled insurance professional with over six years of expertise in underwriting complex financial risks. A Qualified Practising Insurance Broker with ASIC Tier 1 accreditation, Kayla brings a strategic mindset and deep technical knowledge to her role at McKenzie Ross.

Kayla began her career at Solution Underwriting, where she excelled as a Financial Lines Underwriter. She specialised in managing intricate risks across Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Management Liability, and Cyber Liability. Her role required meticulous analysis of financial statements, comprehensive risk assessments, and the development of bespoke insurance solutions tailored to client needs. Kayla’s ability to align risk management strategies with evolving market dynamics set her apart as a trusted partner for brokers and clients alike.

In December 2023, Kayla transitioned to McKenzie Ross as an Insurance Broker, leveraging her underwriting expertise to deliver proactive and personalised solutions for a diverse client portfolio. Her analytical precision, strategic thinking, and commitment to client success enable her to navigate complex insurance landscapes with confidence.

Kayla is dedicated to building strong relationships and providing insightful advice helping clients effectively manage their risks while achieving peace of mind. Her passion for excellence and her collaborative approach reflect McKenzie Ross’ ethos of service and innovation.

Tashinga is a dynamic insurance professional dedicated to delivering tailored risk solutions with precision and care. A Qualified Practising Insurance Broker with ASIC Tier 1 accreditation, Tashinga has rapidly advanced in his career since joining McKenzie Ross in 2022 as a trainee.

During his traineeship with MEGT, Tashinga earned his Certificate IV in General Insurance and ASIC Tier 1 accreditation, laying a strong foundation in industry best practices. Now an Account Executive, he manages a diverse portfolio, specialising in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the motor trades industry. His commitment to professional development is evident in his active participation in advanced training, including modules like Avoiding Broking Errors & Omissions with Insurance Training Australia particularly, which has sharpened his ability to mitigate risks and deliver exceptional service.

Tashinga’s client-centric approach prioritises open communication, trust, and meticulous attention to detail. A standout example of his expertise was resolving a five-year stamp duty overcharge for a client, successfully securing a refund and reinforcing trust through his proactive and diligent efforts.

Known for his dedication to growth and excellence, Tashinga takes pride in fostering strong client relationships and providing bespoke solutions that ensure peace of mind. His passion for delivering value aligns seamlessly with McKenzie Ross’ commitment to service excellence.

With a strong foundation in construction insurance and a growing expertise in various industries, Declan began his insurance broking career after graduating from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in 2019. He started at HIA Insurance Services, where he specialised in construction insurance. Over three years, Declan built his knowledge of both the construction and wider insurance industry, honing his skills in understanding and addressing the unique needs of clients in a challenging sector. In 2023, Declan transitioned to McKenzie Ross Insurance Brokers, bringing his expertise to the SME to Mid-Market team.

In his current role, Declan manages his own portfolio of clients across a broad range of industries. He is dedicated to fostering strong client relationships and providing insightful, tailored advice that drives success. Declan prioritises understanding each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring they receive the most effective outcomes, building long-lasting trust. He embodies the values of McKenzie Ross by actively collaborating with colleagues to deliver innovative solutions and sharing knowledge to enhance the team’s collective expertise.

Declan is always available to provide customised insurance solutions that protect your business and drive success.