Non Executive Director; Former Vice President Sony Global Tax Office, Europe
Course: B Comm, Industrial Economics and Business Studies, 1986
Sarah may be of interest to students who are interested in accountancy, tax, international business, government, legal and diversity and equality.
I was head of Sony’s European tax team from 2001 to the end of 2019, when I decided to leave corporate life. I am now an independent governor of the University of East London, and focus on coaching and mentoring with a particular interest in helping students from underrepresented groups transition into the world of work and thrive in their chosen careers.
I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and have over thirty years’ experience in taxation.
During my career I have dealt with a wide range of international issues, including formation of a new publicly listed group, cross border mergers and a variety of M&A transactions and business restructurings. I regularly engaged in discussions with governments and other legislative bodies including the HMRC, HM Treasury, the European Commission and the OECD on tax policy matters.
Prior to joining Sony, I spent 7 years with Pepsi in an international tax planning role, having spent the first part of my career in practice in leading accounting and legal firms. During my time with Pepsi, I worked extensively in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
I am active in a number of professional and corporate tax associations and speak regularly on tax matters. I was awarded the International Tax Review in-house award at the Legal Media Group's Europe Women in Business Law Awards 2012, and the Legal 500’s In-House Tax Award in 2013.
I am a trustee of the Sony Music pension fund, and was chair of the Gender Equality group within Sony Pictures.
Having run a highly successfully student internship programme with the University of Birmingham for several years, I understand the pressures and uncertainties facing students as they embark on their graduate careers, and am keen to help mentees explore their options in a constructive and structured way. I believe you, the mentee, should define how you want the relationship to work, and it is my job to help you through a thought process – to help you find answers, not to dictate them to you.
I am a keen skier, and love cooking for family and friends. Any spare time is usually spent watching movies, reading fiction and listening to music.
To seek Sarah's support, apply now to the Alumni Leadership Mentoring programme.
