Ardonagh’s Orvia Underwriting has announced a number of senior leadership appointments, strengthening its underwriting, distribution, technology, and operational capabilities as it scales across European markets and business lines.
Launched in January 2026, Orvia Underwriting is The Ardonagh Group’s new pan-European MGA platform.
Orvia has named Paul Nolan as Chief Underwriting Officer, responsible for underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, governance, and carrier partnerships.
Nolan brings two decades of insurance industry experience, with a strong track record in building high-performing underwriting teams and managing large, diverse portfolios.
Werner Richter has been appointed Managing Director, Germany, overseeing the company’s German operations and broader regional growth. Orvia’s Frankfurt- and Hamburg-based teams bring expertise across trade credit and surety, cyber, intellectual property, fidelity, crime, and marine cargo.
Previously, Richter served as Country Manager for CooperGay SAS’s German operations for six years, before its transition and rebrand to Orvia earlier this year.
Ivan Mullen has been named Chief Technology Officer and will lead Orvia’s technology strategy, as well as the continued development of the company’s technology platform across Europe.
Mullen brings extensive cross-sector experience spanning underwriting, broking, and technology leadership roles.
Caolán O’Callaghan will serve as Chief Actuary & 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 financial roles across international markets.
Sharna Bullen has been appointed Director of Change Management & Operations, where she will lead change execution, M&A integration, and operational enhancement across Orvia’s pan-European business.
She brings a proven track record in operational transformation, with senior roles at Carroll & Partners and, more recently, Ardonagh’s Specialty platform.
Francesco Dal Piaz has been named Chief Distribution Officer, responsible for driving Orvia’s pan-European distribution strategy and deepening broker and carrier partnerships.
Dal Piaz brings extensive experience across underwriting and delegated authority models spanning commercial, personal, and affinity lines, as well as deep knowledge of Continental European insurance markets.
Conor Geraghty, CEO of Orvia, said, “Our strategy is centred on leveraging people and expertise to scale our business and specialisms. These appointments represent a significant investment in our leadership team and core capabilities, which are essential for achieving our objective of delivering sustainable and profitable growth across the London and European markets.
“Attracting and retaining top talent remains fundamental to the value we provide to our carrier partners and brokers. These appointments will contribute significantly to Orvia’s continued growth and momentum.”
