SJA International Profiles

Phil Barton - Company Secretary/Finance Manager

Phil joined SJA International in July 2007 having previously worked for seven years in the financial services sector in a number of accounting roles.  His current role is that of Company Secretary and Finance Manager.

Lucy Firth - Account Executive

Lucy joined SJA International in May 2008 having previously worked as support staff to an Independent Financial Adviser for 20 months dealing with all aspects of pensions, investments, mortgages and protection.

Sarah Jewell - Director

Sarah has many years of experience in the insurance industry. First of all working for an insurance company supervising the administration of all aspects of pensions and life insurance. After spending time in Hong Kong Sarah qualified as an Independent Financial Advisor and then managed the Life and Pensions Division of a firm of commercial brokers.  Sarah was then approached to join a broker specialising in protection cover for companies and high net worth individuals, in particular within the sports and media industry.  This also involved being a member of the management team, developing new contracts, providing a highly professional and personal service with the addition of two assistants. 

Sarah then became responsible for the Sales and Marketing for the group of companies, with a focus on UK and Europe.

Sarah was responsible for the launch of a new International Healthcare Plan to replace the existing products.  This involved the writing of the policy wording, the product design and designing the product literature.  Sarah was at the forefront of the launch of this product, not only in Europe, but also in Hong Kong and Dubai.  This involved interviews with editors and journalists of international and UK publications to maximise promotion of this new product. 

Sarah was involved in the opening of new offices in Hong Kong, and managed this particular office for a while.  During her time with this company Sarah travelled extensively around the world, promoting the product and designing be-spoke schemes.

Sarah then went on to work for a firm of IFA’s.  Sarah was appointed to develop corporate group risks business and PMI products.

In the year 2000, Sarah established S J Associates (in 2003 became Incorporated and is now known as SJA International Ltd).  

In 2001 Sarah established à la carte healthcare a provider of international private medical insurance for those living and working abroad.  The international healthcare policies are underwritten by Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd.  In addition, annual multi-trip travel, underwritten by another German insurer, with all products distributed through brokers worldwide.

Sarah has an excellent reputation within the insurance market and is recognised for providing an excellent service to her clients.  Sarah has created a philosophy for SJA International Ltd to be a centre of excellence and to ensure that all our clients receive an exemplary service. 

Debbie Parker - Business Development Manager

Debbie joined SJA International in March 2005 having previously worked for seven years within several departments of Legal & General, supporting customers and Independent Financial Advisers on all aspects of Term Assurance, Investments and Pensions. 

Debbie is customer focused having obtained a GNVQ in Business, an NVQ in Business Administration and Call Handling Operations. 

Debbie continues to expand her knowledge in all areas of healthcare with her attention focusing on Personal Accident & Sickness Cover for Performing Artists as well as sporting media personalities.

Sarah-Louise Petras - Business Development Director

Before joining SJA International Ltd in May 2004, Sarah-Louise worked for the previous four years for an intermediary specialising in all aspects of Private Medical Insurance including International PMI, Travel, Dental, Group Life, Critical Illness and Group Income Protection schemes.

Sarah-Louise has continued to expand her knowledge in all areas of healthcare with her attention focusing on the Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulations and areas of compliance.

Sarah-Louise has also worked as Office Manager and Senior Personal Assistant with extensive private and public sector experience spanning the last 17 years, and her focus is on business excellence, customer service and satisfaction. 

Chris Tabor - Financial Controller

Chris previously worked in the insurance industry for the past 20 years in an accounting role before joining SJA International in August 2003 as financial controller, undertaking all the accounting functions for the company. 

Sheena Young - PA/Office Manager

Having spent the past 6 years in both Project and Office Management within the advertising industry, Sheena has returned to the Private Medical industry, joining SJA International in November 2005 as PA/Office Manager.  Sheena brings with her a wealth of experience both in terms of the industry and all aspects of the marketing mix.

Formerly Sheena worked for 5 years as PA to the Managing Director and International Sales Director of a major health insurance brokerage where she was involved in all aspects of the setting up of Agency facilities and administration procedures.