Ardonagh makes two c-suite hires as global MGA integration gathers pace

Ardonagh has appointed a new chief financial officer and chief operating officer to steer the next phase of growth and integration at its MGA business, Orvia Underwriting.

Kat Cross has been named chief financial officer and Louise Doyle chief operating officer.

The appointments follow Ardonagh’s recent decision to unite its global MGA portfolio, which generates more than £2.24bn ($3bn) in gross written premium (GWP), under the Orvia Underwriting name.

Cross joins from Acrisure with more than 20 years’ experience in senior insurance roles, while Doyle brings 23 years of industry experience spanning Direct Line, Modus, Innovisk Capital Partners and Canopius Group.

Both will report to chief executive Mark McIlquham and will help oversee the integration of Ardonagh’s UK, pan-European and specialty MGA operations.

He said the appointments would support the next phase of growth, adding that: “Combining our specialist underwriting expertise with Ardonagh’s global network, data and insurer partnerships gives us the opportunity to develop new products and bring existing propositions to more brokers and clients.”

Driving global integration

Cross said she was looking forward to helping specialist MGAs across the UK and continental Europe capitalise on growth opportunities by combining local expertise with the wider group’s capabilities.

Meanwhile, Doyle said bringing the MGA businesses together created an opportunity to build on the strengths of the individual operations.

She added that her priority would be establishing the foundations needed to support future growth and strengthen service for broker and capacity partners.

The appointments remain subject to regulatory approval.