Ardonagh’s Orvia Underwriting has announced a number of senior leadership appointments to strengthen its underwriting, distribution, technology and operational capabilities while increasing scale across its European markets and business lines.
Launched in January 2026, Orvia Underwriting is Ardonagh Group’s new pan-European MGA platform.
Orvia appoints Paul Nolan as chief underwriting officer, responsible for underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, governance and carrier partnerships.
Nolan has two decades of insurance industry experience and a proven track record of building high-performing underwriting teams and managing large, diversified investment portfolios.
Werner Richter has been appointed managing director of Germany, overseeing the company’s German operations and wider regional growth. Orvia’s teams in Frankfurt and Hamburg bring expertise in trade credit and guarantees, cyber, intellectual property, fidelity, criminal and maritime.
Previously, Richter served as country manager for CooperGay SAS’s German operations for six years before transforming it and renaming it Orvia earlier this year.
Ivan Mullen has been appointed chief technology officer and will lead Orvia’s technology strategy and the continued development of the company’s technology platform in Europe.
Mullen brings extensive cross-industry experience spanning underwriting, brokerage and technology leadership roles.
Caolan O’Callaghan will serve as chief actuary and head of portfolio management, focusing on building Orvia’s pricing discipline and portfolio management capabilities to support growth.
O’Callaghan joins Orvia from Zurich Insurance Group where he held a range of senior actuarial and finance roles in international markets.
Sharna Bullen has been appointed director of change management and operations, where she will lead change execution, M&A integration and operational enhancements across Orvia’s pan-European business.
She has a strong track record in operational transformation, having held senior roles at Carroll & Partners and most recently the Ardonagh Specialty platform.
Francesco Dal Piaz has been appointed Chief Distribution Officer, responsible for driving Orvia’s pan-European distribution strategy and deepening broker and operator partnerships.
Dal Piaz brings extensive experience in underwriting and licensing models covering the commercial, personal and relationship areas, as well as an in-depth understanding of the continental European insurance market.
Conor Geraghty, chief executive of Orvia, said: “At the heart of our strategy is to leverage talent and expertise to expand our business and expertise. These appointments represent a significant investment in our leadership team and core capabilities, which are critical to achieving our ambition to achieve sustainable and profitable growth in the London and European markets.
“Attracting and retaining top talent remains fundamental to the value we deliver to our carrier partners and brokers. These appointments will make a significant contribution to Orvia’s continued growth and momentum.”
