Ardonagh Netherlands, the Dutch arm of independent broking groups, has announced the appointment of its in-country management team to lead the growth of local broking bands Léons Group, Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar and Classicus Private Insurance.
The team includes the current CEO of Leons Group, Sunny Léons, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Ardonagh Netherlands, and will be reporting into Ardonagh Global Partners Executive Chairman Conor Brennan.
Léons has guided the Leons Group to grow a cohesive and renowned international operating insurance broker over the past 43 years before joining forces with The Ardonagh Group from the inception of their entrance into the Netherlands in October 2022.
Dov Rychter, currently Commercial Director of Léons Group, will take on the role of Managing Director of Leons.
He will leverage his extensive industry knowledge and experience establishing longstanding client relationships to lead Léons’ expansion and elevate the presence of the 73-year-old firm in the global insurance landscape.
Jorg Roodbeen, CEO of Klap acquired by Ardonagh in June 2023, has been appointed Chief Acquisitions Officer and will be responsible for driving the M&A process in the Netherlands.
His longstanding expertise in Dutch insurance has successfully led and delivered robust operational strategies and valuable acquisitions to boost Klap’s growth over his 25-year tenure, Ardonagh noted.
Roodbeen will report to Ardonagh Global Partners Chief Investment Officer, Des O’Connor, and will be succeeded at Klap by Fred Willemze, who joins as Managing Director.
Willemze brings more than 40 years of industry experience, and will be responsible for leading business development for the specialist commercial lines insurance broker founded in 1854.
He has a strong track record of delivering organic growth in both the broking and MGA segments, previously holding senior positions in Marsh & McLennan companies.
High-net-worth brokerage Classicus Private Insurance will continue to be led by Bart-Jan Kastrop.
Commenting on the new appointments, Conor Brennan, Executive Chairman of Ardonagh Global Partners, said: “We are grateful for Jorg’s and Sunny’s outstanding leadership over the past years in positioning Klap and Leons for long-term success. We are equally excited to welcome Fred, whose proven track record and strategic mindset will be invaluable in unlocking Klap’s next phase of growth in the Dutch insurance market.”
Sunny Léons added: “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 Leons alongside the very capable leadership of Dov and the management team.”
All the appointments are subject to the customary regulatory approvals.
