Ardonagh names Léons to lead Netherlands platform

Ardonagh has created a new management team for its Netherlands platform following acquisitions of several local brokers, including Léons Group, Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar and Classicus Private Insurance, to lead its growth in the country. Sunny Léons, who remained as CEO of Léons Group when it was acquired by Ardonagh in October 2022, will become CEO of Ardonagh Netherlands.

Léons will report to Conor Brennan, executive chairman of Ardonagh Global Partners.

Dov Rychter, currently commercial director of Léons Group, will become managing director of Léons.

In other changes to the top team, Jorg Roodbeen, CEO of Klap, acquired by Ardonagh in June 2023, has been named chief acquisitions officer at Ardonagh Netherlands, responsible for driving mergers and acquisitions in the country. Roodbeen will report to Des O’Connor, chief investment officer at Ardonagh Global Partners.

Fred Willemze, formerly of Marsh & McLennan, has been appointed as managing director of Klap. Brennan said Willemze will be “invaluable in unlocking Klap’s next phase of growth in the Dutch insurance market”.

Classicus Private Insurance, a high net worth brokerage acquired by Ardonagh in April 2023, will continue to be led by Bart-Jan Kastrop.

Sunny Léons said: “I was delighted to join Ardonagh from the inception of their exciting mission to establish a powerhouse in the Dutch market and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership to expand our footprint and capitalise on emerging business opportunities, continuing to support Léons alongside the very capable leadership of Dov and the management team.”