Meet the distribution team

Amanda Sanderson headshot

Account Manager

Amanda Sanderson

As your Zurich Account Manager, I work exclusively with Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB). My goal is to build strong, lasting relationships with you, keeping you informed about our services and working with you on new business opportunities.

I also collaborate with Jenny and Sophie, your Customer Relationship Managers, to ensure they stay updated on our offerings and understand all the benefits of partnering with Zurich.

Providing excellent service is a key part of Zurich's approach. That’s why I work closely with the Zurich Corporate Risk team to make sure you get quick and accurate answers to your questions. I take responsibility for the service you receive and am always happy to step in if needed.

I’ve been with Zurich for over 28 years, working in various roles. I joined the corporate risk team in 2012 and have been working with MMB since November 2020.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my family, where I attempt to surf – not very successfully, but it’s always fun!

Darren Lee headshot

Account Manager Mercer Elect 

Darren Lee 

Hi I’m Darren. I joined Zurich Corporate Risk in 2020 after spending over a decade in our retail business. Currently, my role aligns me with one of Zurich's key partnerships and I act as a point of contact for referrals from our colleagues in the retail business. In terms of the Mercer Marsh Benefits partnership, I am aligned to the Elect panel for Group Income Protection and any Group Life schemes with less than 300 lives.

I started my career in our contact centre and I have worked in back-office and client-facing roles including sales and spent 5 years working as a Paraplanner for financial advisers. Having worked for a global insurer and intermediaries, I bring an understanding of each and a balanced perspective to my current role as an Account Manager. I will work with you to understand what you need from Zurich and take ownership of delivering those services.

Jen Rapson headshot

Senior Customer Relationship Manager

Jen Rapson

Prior to joining Zurich I worked in a number of Client Relationship and Project Manager roles within the event and retail industry. I joined Zurich in June 2017 as a Claims Case Manager within the Income Protection Team and enjoyed supporting our customers when their employees really needed us. The service we provide to our customers is important to me and I’m looking forward to working with you and our mutual clients within my new role as Senior Customer Relationship Manager.

As your dedicated Senior Customer Relationship Manager, I will work closely with all departments across our business to ensure we provide you with the highest quality of customer service and competitive terms for our mutual customers. I will attend meetings to build long lasting relationships with both you and our mutual customers and will also act as an escalation point, if required, and will be on hand to support you with any queries you may have throughout the process.

Sophie Boycott headshot

Customer Relationship Manager

Sophie Boycott

I have worked in the insurance industry for over 6 years, and I have been with Zurich since 2020. In my role as Customer Relationship Manager I work alongside Amanda and Jenny focusing on existing business and renewals in the sub £150K premium sector. I have also previously worked in the accounts team, as an Accounts Specialist and as the Technical Overseer of the team so I can also assist with Operational queries as well. If I can’t answer your question, I know someone who can!

I’m your first point of contact for queries and questions regarding anything renewal related and any general queries about existing business. My goal is to make working with Zurich as easy and enjoyable as possible, so you never want to place business anywhere else!

Alex Birrell

Senior Technical Scheme Underwriter

Alex Birrell

With 16 years of group risk underwriting experience, I’m pleased to be supporting Mercer Corporate – Southern Region and Mercer Commercial as a Senior Scheme Underwriter. I joined Zurich Corporate Risk in April 2023, having previously spent 14 years at Canada Life UK, where I began my Group Risk journey.

At Zurich, I’m responsible for risk assessment, pricing, and providing technical assistance. I’m your direct contact for all things technical and always happy to talk through challenges and opportunities.

I work closely with Amanda, Jenny, and Sophie to support new business acquisition, retain existing clients, and manage day-to-day risk and pricing-based matters. Alongside my underwriting colleagues Wayne and Christina, we bring decades of combined expertise to every decision.

If you need practical, reliable support or technical guidance on any aspect of group risk, I’m here to help.

Christina Sanders

Senior Scheme Underwriter

Christina Sanders

I’m Chris, a Senior Scheme Underwriter at Zurich Corporate Risk. I work closely with Mercer Elect and support Mercer Commercial.

I’ve spent 25 years in the industry, taking on roles in senior pricing, data analytics, data engineering, and project and risk management. I’ve worked with top organisations like L&G, Bupa, NHS England, Lloyds Banking Group, Ellipse, Gallaghers, and Swiss Life.

My goal is to provide competitive and sustainable terms for your clients. Alongside my colleagues Wayne and Alex, I’m here to help with any new or existing business quotes and queries.

Wayne Bransgrove

Senior Scheme Underwriter

Wayne Bransgrove

I’m Wayne, the Senior Scheme Underwriter for Mercer’s Corporate segment. I’ve been with Zurich Corporate Risk for 17 years as a Scheme Underwriter.

I handle risk assessment, pricing, and technical support, including considering concessions. If you ever need to discuss a scheme, I’m here to help.

I work with Amanda, Jenny, and Sophie on new business acquisition, retention, and general portfolio matters.

I also collaborate closely with Alex and Christina. Together, we bring a wealth of experience in the Group Risk market.