Meet the team

Leadership

Ivan Silva

Director

Ivan Silva, Director

Hey, I'm Ivan and I started my insurance journey at Real Vida Seguros, one of Portugal's leading life insurers, and completed my Insurance Agent diploma the same year. I joined Abbeygate Portugal in 2019 and helped all departments daily, building Abbeygate from a 3-person team to 14 — we are the best and fastest growing expat brokerage in Portugal. During my time here I have continued to develop my skills and I am always willing to help either staff or clients. My role is to help everything run smoothly from new business, to a policy renewal or a claim.

Matthew Pickering

Manager

Matthew Pickering, Manager

Hi, I'm Matthew and I have worked for Abbeygate for nearly 15 years. I have built a wealth of knowledge in underwriting and understanding our clients' needs. I am very excited to be working here in Portugal and my main priority is always to provide excellent service and ensure that a client is listened to and their needs are met. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Office team

Claudia Ferrari

Claims Handler

Claudia Ferrari, Claims Handler

Hi, I'm Claudia. I worked for the Municipal Urban of Rio de Janeiro (COMLURB), Brazil, from 2002 to 2019. I moved to Portugal in 2019 and joined Abbeygate in 2022 and completed my Insurance Agent diploma the same year. I supported the Administration team and was then trained and transitioned into the Claims Management team, where I continue to develop my knowledge and provide the best possible service to our clients. My role is to assist clients and help them navigate the claims process, making a stressful time as stress-free as possible.

Artur Servolo

Client Adviser

Artur Servolo, Client Adviser

Hi, I'm Artur and I joined Abbeygate in 2020 and completed my Insurance Agent diploma the same year. My background is in sports studies, and prior to entering the insurance sector I worked in and managed a private chauffeur company in the Algarve. Since joining Abbeygate I have been developing my career in insurance, building my knowledge and focusing on delivering clear and reliable advice to clients. I am Portuguese, but having worked with international clients since 2011 I am fully comfortable communicating clearly in English. I am committed to providing a high standard of service and offering tailored insurance solutions that ensure the right level of protection and peace of mind.

Hayley Sheppard

Client Adviser

Hayley Sheppard, Client Adviser

Hi, my name is Hayley. I was born in the UK but moved to Iberia in 2010. I joined Abbeygate Spain in July 2010, where I was able to work in different departments gaining knowledge in all aspects of expat insurance. I enjoy speaking with clients and ensuring we meet their needs and expectations.

Catarina Bras

Client Adviser

Catarina Bras, Client Adviser

Hi, I'm Catarina and previously I worked in education in interior design. I was born and raised in the Algarve and I joined Abbeygate's team in October 2025. I have over 10 years of experience in sales, building strong relationships based on trust, professionalism and personalised service. My local knowledge, combined with a client-focused approach, allows me to understand the unique needs of both Portuguese and international clients. By taking the time to understand each client's individual needs, I strive to deliver professional advice, exceptional service and ongoing support.

Joanne Barnes

Client Adviser

Joanne Barnes, Client Adviser

Hey, I'm Joanne and I have over 10 years' experience working in London's financial markets, with a strong background in client service and relationship management. After spending several years raising our young family, we relocated to the Algarve in 2022 and I joined the Abbeygate team in October 2025. Having made the move abroad I understand both the excitement and the challenges that come with relocating or spending extended times overseas, and how important it is to have knowledgeable, reliable support that you can trust. I enjoy helping clients navigate their insurance needs, ensuring they have the right cover in place whilst making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Miguel Guerreiro Reis

New Business

Miguel Guerreiro Reis, New Business

Hey, I'm Miguel and I'm from Quarteira in the sunny Algarve. I have a degree in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, but I found out that my true call was sales. I worked for many years in hospitality, providing 5-star service in one of the best hotels in the Algarve. I joined Abbeygate in October 2025 and shortly after I completed my Insurance Agent Diploma. I work in the New Business department, speaking with and learning about new clients and their needs every day.

Scott McCaffery

Client Adviser

Scott McCaffery, Client Adviser

Hi, I'm Scott and I have more than 14 years' experience in the insurance industry with Abbeygate. During this time I've had the opportunity to support clients across the UK, Cyprus, and now Portugal. After spending eight years at Abbeygate Cyprus, I relocated to our Portugal office. My aim is to help our clients with their insurance needs. I enjoy building lasting relationships and making the insurance process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Maria Reis

Claims Handler

Maria Reis, Claims Handler

Hi, my name is Maria Reis and I returned to Portugal five years ago after spending 16 years in England. For 14 of those years I worked as a Portfolio Manager for a housing association, where I developed a strong client-focused approach and gained extensive experience in managing property portfolios, building relationships, and delivering excellent customer service. I joined Abbeygate in 2023 where I have continued to build on my previous experience by focusing on understanding clients' needs and providing tailored solutions. I am passionate about delivering a high standard of service, building trust with clients, and achieving positive outcomes.

Francisco Borba

New Business

Francisco Borba, New Business

Hello, I'm Francisco and I'm from Lagos (Algarve). I'm a qualified IT technician but have always had an interest in sales and customer service. I have been working in sales for more than 15 years. I joined Abbeygate's new business department in 2022 and completed my Insurance Agent diploma the same year.

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