Meet the Team

At Sona Insurance, our people-first approach sets us apart. We provide expert guidance, tailored cover, and proactive risk management, giving clients confidence in every decision. Driven by collaboration and accountability, we tackle challenges with care and determination. More than brokers, we’re trusted advisors, combining expertise with continuous learning to protect what matters most.

Rob Thacker

CEO

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Rob founded Sona Insurance Solutions in 2019 with a simple ambition: to build an exceptional insurance brokerage that clients value, talented people want to be part of, and everyone involved can be proud of.

Having started his insurance career in 1988, Rob brings more than three decades of experience to Sona, with particular expertise across technology, professional services and manufacturing. As CEO, his focus is on keeping Sona ambitious, innovative and relentlessly client-focused, while building a culture where talented people are trusted, challenged and enjoy coming to work.

For Rob, the most rewarding part of building Sona is the people. After spending much of his career working for other businesses, he believes strongly that if you recruit great people, give them the opportunity to develop and make them feel genuinely valued, exceptional client service follows naturally. Just as importantly, he believes you should enjoy the journey and have some fun along the way.

His favourite Sona value is Learning Centred. Rob has a genuine curiosity about people, businesses and new ideas and believes that continuing to learn makes us better at what we do, and more interesting people to spend time with. As he puts it: “I think the highest compliment you can pay someone is to say they’re good company.”

A quote that captures much of Rob’s philosophy is from Maya Angelou:

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Sam Washbrook

Client Executive

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Sam has been a dedicated member of the team for over three years, specialising in both new and existing business clients. With a dynamic role that involves handling new inquiries and brokering incoming risks. Sam ensures clients receive tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. As an expert in the property owner sector, he brings a keen eye for detail and strategic insight to every case. The supportive environment and strong team culture make each day engaging and rewarding.

Sam’s favourite company value is Technical Brilliance, as it is what sets Sona Insurance apart from other brokers and gives us the edge to acquire new clients.

“A wrong decision is better than indecision”.

Chris Buchholz

Broking Manager

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Chris’s role at Sona is to lead and oversee our broking function, ensuring that all programmes staff arrange for our clients are comprehensive and competitive. As well as this, he looks after our insurer relations and the learning and development of the team. Chris’s strongest area of expertise is in manufacturing and engineering; however, he does have longstanding experience in transport and logistics. His favourite part about working at Sona is the flexibility and ability to adapt our business to best suit our clients, which ensures we can always offer a holistic solution. Not to mention, we have a brilliant workforce.

Our company value, Technical Brilliance, is what inspires Chris. He believes that when a client buys their insurance, it may be years before they ever need to use it. Due to this, you only see the value in the product at the most stressful times that many businesses face. Chris goes on to say that clients need to be confident that what we arrange works when they need it most; a sentiment that Sona Insurance incorporates into every relationship.

Eat the Frog!

James Potter

Chief Operations Officer

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James has been an integral part of the Sona family, bringing expertise and leadership to the company. During his time here, he has specialised in High Net Worth Insurance, ensuring clients receive tailored, high-quality coverage. Overseeing company operations, compliance, and finance, James ensures that everything runs efficiently. With complete control over daily decision-making, he loves being able to see the immediate result from his work.

James’s favourite company value is People People, as it’s the heart of our business.  He believes a strong, motivated workforce is what drives a company to make employees and clients feel valued and supported.

“Eat the frog”

Emily Shewring

Client manager

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Emily is an integral part of Sona Insurance’s renewals department. She brings expertise in policy renewals, claims management, and client support. With a keen understanding of client needs, she plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless policy transitions and efficient claims handling. She thrives in a collaborative environment and values the strong team dynamic within the office. Her dedication to excellent service and proactive approach make her a trusted point of contact for both clients and colleagues alike.

Emily’s favourite company value is People People, as she believes that building genuine, trustworthy relationships is essential to a successful business.

“If you can dream it, you can do it”

Emma Simmons

Management accountant

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Emma has been a valued member of the team since August 2024, working in accounts. From finance control and credit management to bank reconciliations and preparing monthly management accounts, Emma ensures the financial side of the business runs smoothly. Reviewing insurance statements and keeping everything in check, she plays a crucial role in our operations. The amazing and energetic team, which makes each day unique, is what Emma loves most about Sona Insurance.

Emma’s favourite company value is learning-centred, as workplace learning provides the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

“Believe you can, and you are halfway there.”

Louise Dickens

Client Manager

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When Louise joined in November 2024, she instantly became a key member of the team with her work in general insurance. As a key contact for existing clients, Louise handles policies, claims, and renewals with a commitment to excellent service. New to the insurance industry and working her way up, Louise brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the role. While working at Sona Insurance, Louise has found that her favourite part is the unmatched company culture. This is reflected in both the team dynamic and the way Sona Insurance cares for its customers.

Louise’s favourite company value is people people because you can’t be a successful insurer if you don’t value your colleagues and clients.

“Your direction is more important than your speed.”

Liam McGowan

Project Manager

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While working at Sona Insurance, Liam has specialised in construction, manufacturing, property and technology. He ensures the smooth operation of brokerage activities, all while driving business growth. Liam is involved with insurer relationship management, client relationship management and strategic planning. The autonomy to be trusted within their set area of expertise is what Liam loves most about working at Sona.

Liam’s favourite company value is People People. He believes they are at the heart of the industry, whether it’s the dedicated team behind the scenes or the valued customers who choose to work with us. Without people, our business wouldn’t exist.

“Fear is a mile wide but only an inch deep. Don’t let a puddle disguise itself as an ocean.”

James Wright

Development Manager

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James is an integral part of the Sona Insurance team. Currently focused on new business, he thrives on identifying opportunities and creating tailored insurance solutions. He has a broad range of knowledge and expertise that allows him to guide clients through complex policies, but he specialises in hospitality and motor. James’ favourite part about working at Sona Insurance is the autonomy and flexibility.  This empowers him to present and drive initiatives he believes in.

James’ favourite company value is Goal Driven. This is due to everyone in the team working towards the same goal: growth. His role in new business is instrumental in achieving this.

“But you know that old thing, live fast, die young? Not my way. Live fast, sure, live too bloody fast sometimes, but die young? Die old.” – David Brent

Ryan Butcher

Client Manager

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Ryan’s main role at Sona Insurance is managing his book of clients. He is passionate about ensuring that each client receives the best possible support and service for their insurance needs. Ryan’s expertise spans Global Programs, Casualty and Liability, Clinical Trials, and Commercial Fleet/Motor. Some of his favourite aspects of the role include working towards shared team goals and prioritising strong, lasting relationships with clients.

Ryan’s favourite company value is People People, as he believes that people are the heartbeat of any successful business. To him, there is nothing more important than building strong relationships with both the people you work alongside and the people you work for.

‘Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.’ – Michael Scott

Jack Thacker

Client Manager

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Jack’s role at Sona Insurance is to manage his book of clients, ensuring they receive the best possible service and support with their insurance needs. His main area of expertise lies in Liabilities, where he provides tailored advice and support to clients across a range of industries.  Jack’s favourite part of working at Sona Insurance is the positive office environment and the opportunity to build and maintain strong relationships with clients.

Jack’s favourite company value is Learning Centred. New to insurance, he is passionate about the industry and learning as much as possible about the market and its products.

Do or do not, there is no try.

Jake Gibson-French

Client Manager

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As a client manager, Jake helps the client through their insurance process. From identifying the risk and going through the details to sending the risk to market and presenting it to the client, he is there every step of the way.  Jake has a well-rounded knowledge base; his main area of expertise, however, lies in hospitality. One of his favourite aspects of Sona Insurance is the team and how well we work together to ensure everyone feels part of the family. As Jake puts it, this is something often ‘left out in the corporate world’.

People People is Jake’s favourite company value.  What he loves most about insurance is building relationships with the clients to understand what they need and to give them the best customer service possible. Jake’s main goal is for his clients to view him as a partner, not just a service.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Victoria Jennings

Marketing Administrator

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Vicky joined Sona Insurance in January 2025, where she has focused on marketing Sona’s services. Her goal is to make insurance more accessible and engaging while showcasing Sona Insurance’s expertise. What she loves most about working at Sona is the office environment, which is both supportive and relaxed. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, collaborate, and enjoy the work you do.

Vicky’s favourite company value is being learning-centred.  She believes a day without learning is a day wasted. Expanding your knowledge not only helps you grow but also enables you to support those around you and create better, more impactful work.

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one” – Dolly Parton

Richard Abbott

Account Executive

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As an Account Executive, Richard works closely with new clients to review their existing insurance arrangements and identify where improvements can be made. By taking his time to understand each client’s requirements, he can recommend solutions that are right for their business.

Richard brings a broad range of sector expertise to the role, with particular experience across construction, property, manufacturing, wholesaling and licensed trades. One of his favourite things about working at Sona is being part of a young, energetic and proactive brokerage that is always looking to move forward.

Goal Driven is the Sona value that resonates most with Richard. He believes that having clear goals gives purpose and intention to your work, providing something meaningful to strive towards rather than leaving success to chance.

It is no use saying, ‘we are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.

Adele Rand

Head of Compliance

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As Head of Compliance at Sona Insurance, Adele is responsible for ensuring the business operates in line with FCA requirements and Data Protection regulations. Drawing on extensive broking knowledge, her particular areas of expertise include High Net Worth Household and Motor insurance. Looking ahead, Adele is excited to play a part in Sona’s future ambitions. Her personal motto is MAD: Make a Difference. A philosophy they feel able to live by at every day at Sona.

Adele values the trust and autonomy she receives at Sona to do her job effectively. She appreciates being empowered to use her own judgement and experience, while knowing support is always there when needed. Most importantly, she enjoys making a positive difference, whether that’s supporting colleagues, helping the business get things right, or contributing to better outcomes for Sona’s clients.

People People is the Sona value that resonates most with Adele. While many businesses talk about putting people first, they believe it is something that genuinely comes to life at Sona.

Look after your employees and your employees will look after your business – Richard Branson

Colchester Office

adele.rand@sonainsurance.com

Will Ashton

Apprentice

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As an Apprentice at Sona Insurance, Will is developing their knowledge and experience within the insurance industry while training towards becoming Cert CII qualified. With a background in customer service and retail, he brings a strong people-focused approach to his role and is keen to build on these skills as his career in insurance develops.

One of Will’s favourite things about working at Sona is the inspiring environment and the encouragement to learn, develop new skills and embrace opportunities for career growth. Being new to the insurance industry, he is particularly connected with Sona’s Learning Centred value, which motivated him to keep developing his knowledge. This makes Sona an ideal place to begin and grow his career.

‘Never tell me the odds’ – Han Solo

Our team is here to make insurance simple, strategic, and stress-free. Get in touch today and experience a whole new approach to insurance.

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