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Leadership Team

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jacqui Bensemann

Overseeing Argus Fire Protection strategy, business operations and client relationships is Managing Director Jacqui Bensemann.

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Jacqui has over 40 years’ experience in the fields of banking, public accountancy, management consultancy and general management, in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Over 20 years have been exclusively in the fire protection industry.

A graduate of the University of Canterbury in Accounting and Marketing, Jacqui has developed a strong technical understanding of the engineering, science and legislative aspects of New Zealand’s fire protection sector.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Bryce Donaldson
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER (CCO)
Bryce Donaldson

Bryce has over 25 years’ experience in the Fire Protection industry, covering a number of roles since he started out as a Cadet and Fire Alarm Installation Technician. Bryce has overall responsibility for the Auckland Service and Minor Works teams.

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As you would expect, he holds a huge range of relevant practical qualifications, including National Certificates, Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registration and Independent Qualified Person (IQP) status. He’s also currently an elected Council member of the New Zealand Fire Protection Association (NZFPA) and on the Board of Directors for the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

Bryce’s passion for the fire protection industry is obvious and infectious. His clear understanding of client expectations is matched by an exceptional ability to motivate those around him. Bryce plays a key role in building and maintaining our company culture with its high staff retention and reputation for consistently delivering exceptional customer service.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Will Donald
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO)
Will Donald

Will has overall management responsibility for all operations outside the Auckland region; as well as the Auckland Contracts team.

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He has over 20 years of broad experience in the fields of engineering consulting, construction, logistics and general management. Prior to joining Argus in 2017, Will held roles as Port Manager for New Zealand Steel and Manager of Strategy for Qantas, and has worked in the UK and Europe as well as Australia and NZ. His logistics and operations knowledge is second to none.

Will graduated from the University of Canterbury with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering and gained his MBA from Oxford Business School.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Ben Hanif
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ben Hanif

As CFO, Ben brings over 25 years’ experience in financial and management accounting to the role, 15 of them with Argus.

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His prior roles included several different New Zealand companies ranging from medium-sized enterprises to large corporates.

Ben is an alumnus of Mount Albert Grammar and Manukau Institute of Technology.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Kristine Bakker
GENERAL MANAGER MARKETING & KEY ACCOUNTS
Kristine Bakker

Kristine has been with Argus since September 2015, and was appointed General Manager – Marketing & Key Accounts in 2026. She leads a modern, data-driven marketing function alongside the National Key Accounts team, connecting market opportunity with commercial execution to strengthen relationships, expand reach, and support sustainable growth.

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With over 25 years’ experience in the Facilities Management industry, Kristine brings strong expertise in strategic account leadership, customer engagement, and market development.

Awarded a Fellowship from the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) in 2014, Kristine is committed to building long-term partnerships grounded in honesty, integrity, and trust.

Argus Fire Protection - Placeholder Portrait Image
GENERAL MANAGER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Lance Mann

Lance has over 20 years’ experience in the fire protection industry, starting his career as a Fire Alarm Technician. He joined Argus in 2012 as part of the Wellington business establishment and has since progressed through operational, management, and senior leadership roles.

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Lance leads IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation across the business. He is focused on delivering practical technology solutions that enhance service delivery and strengthen customer and partner connections.

With a strong operational foundation, Lance works closely with teams across Argus to ensure technology is secure, reliable, and supports more connected and efficient ways of working.

Auckland Operations Managers

SERVICE MANAGER
Maz Gharib

Maz has over 17 years of experience in the fire protection industry. Starting his career as a Compliance Technician, and holding a number of other technical roles, before moving into the management side of the industry.

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Maz holds several key industry qualifications, including Level 3 in Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance, Level 4 in Fire Detection Design and Installation, Level 3 in Fire Passive Inspection, as well as an Electrical Engineering qualification. As an Independent Qualified Person (IQP), he offers valuable guidance to clients on maintaining their fire safety systems.

Maz is a trusted resource in fire protection, frequently presenting on compliance topics and emphasizing the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations.

His blend of technical experience, leadership skills, and compliance knowledge makes him an invaluable asset to Argus, his team and our clients.

SPRINKLER MINOR WORKS MANAGER
Shawn Deysel

With over a decade of dedicated experience in fire sprinkler systems, Shawn has been an integral part of the Argus team since the beginning of his career in the industry.

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He joined Argus as a Project Manager and quickly progressed through key leadership roles, including 2IC for both the Sprinkler and Remedial Works divisions. In 2025, he stepped into his current position, continuing to drive excellence and innovation across the business.

Shawn brings a strong background in project management and engineering, with hands-on experience in the mechanical design, manufacture, and installation of mixers and agitators. His career spans the commercial and industrial construction sectors, including civil construction, mechanical installations, and structural steel erection. 

Known for his ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, Shawn consistently delivers successful projects and maintains high levels of customer satisfaction. 

Shawn possesses a comprehensive set of project management qualifications and is currently pursuing his Fire Tech Level 4 certification, highlighting both his technical proficiency and dedication to ongoing professional growth.

SPRINKLER CONTRACTS & SPECIAL HAZARDS MANAGER
Charles Chang

With over 12 years’ experience in the fire protection industry, Charles has progressed through a wide range of technical and leadership roles across fire alarm systems, fire sprinklers and special hazards.

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Beginning his career as a Fire Alarm Technician, Charles developed strong technical foundations through compliance testing, estimating and project management roles before transitioning into management.

Charles spent approximately four years as Auckland Service Operations Manager, gaining extensive operational and people leadership experience, before moving into his current role.

He holds a comprehensive suite of industry qualifications, including Producer Statement Author (PS3) and Independent Qualified Person (IQP) status across multiple system streams.

With a deep understanding of compliance requirements and practical delivery, Charles is committed to ensuring high-quality, compliant outcomes for both clients and project teams.

ENGINEERING MANAGER
Marcus Thornley

Marcus joined Argus in 2015, bringing a diverse engineering background that spans naval engineering, building services design, and 3D modelling. He is also a registered electrician, adding a unique layer of technical expertise to his role.

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As the leader of Argus’ multidisciplinary design and engineering team, Marcus oversees complex projects across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors; from initial concept through to certification.

His ability to combine technical precision with practical site experience ensures robust, compliant, and innovative fire protection solutions.

Known for his strategic thinking, clear communication, and hands-on leadership style, Marcus fosters collaboration and drives innovation, consistently delivering high-performance safety outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

AUCKLAND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Armand Louw

Armand has over 17 years of experience in the fire protection industry, both overseas and with Argus Fire since moving to New Zealand in 2015.

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With a background in mechanics and plumbing, Armand has progressed through a range of roles within the fire industry, building strong technical and operational expertise.

In 2023, he took on leadership of Argus’ Special Projects division, overseeing the delivery of complex systems including gas flooding, water mist, deluge, kitchen suppression, and foam installations.

In 2025, he further expanded his remit to include the Auckland Sprinkler Contracts team, reflecting his expertise and trusted leadership across the business.

Now in his role as Business Development Manager, Armand applies this depth of experience to identifying opportunities, shaping solutions, and supporting clients with technically robust, practical outcomes. His hands-on understanding, combined with a natural ability to navigate complex challenges, ensures he remains a trusted partner to clients and a valued contributor across the business.

NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Lindsey Matthias

Lindsey has been with Argus since 2010 and has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the various fire protection systems installed in New Zealand, as well as compliance requirements.

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With strong ethics and a passion for Business Development in the fire industry,  Lindsey strives to exceed customer service expectations and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Argus and our customers.

Lindsey gains an understanding of what is important to our customers and the environments in which they operate, providing bespoke and sound solutions for the protection of their buildings, and the people who live, work, and play in them.

Regional Operations Managers

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Paul Marshall
WAIKATO MANAGER
Paul Marshall

Paul is responsible for the day-to-day running of our Waikato team, ensuring all compliance work is completed on time for our customers.

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He has worked in management in the fire protection industry for over 11 years and was previously a Contract Manager in facilities management. He also ran his own business for a decade. This combination of experience has given Paul real insight into customers’ needs and expectations, and he is passionate about delivering the best service possible.

BAY OF PLENTY MANAGER
Andre Glen

Andre brings over 18 years of experience in the fire protection industry, with a strong background in both project delivery and operational leadership across New Zealand and Australia.

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Andre's expertise includes sprinkler and special hazard system installations in critical infrastructure sites including hospitals, manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and police stations. He has developed particular expertise in gaseous suppression and complex fire system solutions.

Andre holds a New Zealand Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems (Level 4) and has led teams on a wide range of challenging projects. As Branch Manager, he is responsible for the overall operation of the Tauranga and Rotorua branches.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Matt Clark
WELLINGTON MANAGER
Matt Clark

Matt started with Argus in 2020 as the Service and Compliance Manager. In 2021 he took on the Manager role in Wellington with overall responsibility for the branch.

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Matt brings with him 19 years of fire industry experience starting as a Fire Sprinkler Apprentice and working up through all levels covering all aspects of fire protection. Matt holds New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Level 4 in Fire Protection and is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) for SS1 automatic fire sprinklers and SS6 riser mains.

CHRISTCHURCH MANAGER
Matt McLellan

Matt has overall responsibility for the Christchurch business. Joining Argus after an already extensive career in the fire industry spanning 30 years, he has held various roles as both the service provider and the fire consultant/system certifier.

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He is passionate about nurturing long term relationships with clients and his people, and for ensuring quality and health and safety in service delivery.   

Matt holds a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical) and an NZQA Level 4 qualification in Fixed Fire Protection Systems. He is a member of several professional organisations and is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) for SS1 Automatic Sprinklers, SS6 Riser Mains and SS7 Backflow Prevention. Matt is currently pursuing a Diploma of Fire Engineering.