Sapiens International Corporation N.V. (Sapiens), a provider of AI-centric, SaaS-based insurance software, has announced the appointment of Paul Wheeler, its current Chief Financial Officer, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Mike Ettling, who has served as Sapiens Executive Chairman and interim CEO, will continue as Executive Chairman of the Board and will support Wheeler as CEO Designate throughout the leadership transition.
Both Wheeler and Ettling joined Sapiens in December 2025, and the two have worked closely since then.
Over a 30-year career, Wheeler has led technology businesses globally, delivering significant growth, innovation and customer value at scale.
Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Operative and Trema. Before that, he was a Senior Operating Partner at global technology investment firm Francisco Partners, and also held roles including Managing Director at ION Trading and Chief Operating Officer at Efront.
Ettling commented, “I am delighted that Paul has agreed to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. I have worked with Paul since the beginning of 2025, and as both a friend and a colleague, I can attest that he is the ideal person to take on the mantle of CEO. His commitment, depth of operational experience and warm manner are known to all of us who have worked with him already. His outstanding leadership background means he is the clear choice to lead Sapiens. I look forward to continuing to support him, and Sapiens, as Executive Chairman.”
Wheeler added, “I am honoured by the Board’s confidence and by Mike’s continued partnership as we manage this transition together. Sapiens is entering an extraordinary period as an AI-native company powering the autonomous insurer of tomorrow. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that Mike and the team have put in place, and to seeing many of our customers at the Summit in October.”
The appointment comes after a number of major milestones for Sapiens, including a significant minority investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the launch of its Insurance Agentification programme, and the opening of its AI Customer Experience Lab at the new London headquarters in Holborn’s Space House.
