The Envest Group has appointed Belinda Steedman (pictured) as CEO of Envest Agencies, the Sydney-based holding company for 14 specialist managing general agents (MGAs). She starts on November 2 and joins the Envest Group executive team, subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
The appointment was announced alongside a separate Ardonagh Group release confirming that Envest Agencies will rebrand as Orvia Australia and New Zealand, taking on the parent company’s global underwriting identity following a transition period in 2027. The statement said the underlying business brands that operate day to day remain unchanged.
Envest’s agency portfolio includes Blue Zebra, Ando, Club 4X4, ATL, LAUW and Chase Underwriting. The collective began in 2016 with four underwriting agencies generating approximately AUD $2 million in gross written premium (GWP) and now comprises 14 specialist businesses employing 830 staff and underwriting more than AUD $1.5 billion in GWP, according to the company.
Orvia Underwriting launched in January 2026 as Ardonagh’s MGA platform, combining Ardonagh-owned MGAs across the London, European and global markets. Ardonagh said Orvia will bring together more than $3 billion in GWP worldwide across more than 50 product lines.
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The global build-out starts in the UK. Ardonagh’s pan-European, UK and specialty MGAs come together first under the Orvia brand, led by Mark McIlquham as CEO, who joins from Acrisure. UK-based Geo Underwriting will become Orvia UK following a transition period in 2027. Dubai-based Antarah, a Lloyd’s of London coverholder led by CEO Antonio El Hokayem, will transition to Orvia Middle East and Africa.
Ardonagh said the Orvia name combines Ór, meaning gold, and Via, meaning path, representing “the golden path.” Ardonagh group CEO David Ross said the change marked a shift in operating model.
“This is a significant moment for us at Ardonagh as we begin to pivot from a regional operating model to a global product led operating one, helping clients and markets understand our true reach and enabling us to drive better outcomes for our customers,” Ross said.
Steedman has more than 30 years of insurance experience across the South African, Australian and UK markets. She spent 14 years at QBE, finishing as general manager, SME, before moving to London for four years with Aviva, where she was appointed head of multinational and later served as director of global proposition, overseeing multinational, delegated underwriting authority (DUA) and the Lloyd’s service companies.
“Envest Agencies has a strong foundation of specialist underwriting businesses, each with deep expertise and strong broker relationships,” Steedman said. “What attracted me to Envest is its entrepreneurial culture, combined with the scale and global backing of The Ardonagh Group. I’m looking forward to working with our agency leaders and partners to grow our existing businesses, bring new capability to market and create more opportunities for brokers and their clients.”
Envest Group CEO Greg Mullins said the appointment was an important step for the agencies pillar.
“We’ve known Belinda for many years and watched her build an outstanding career in Australia and on the global stage,” Mullins said. “Her experience in SME, multinational and delegated underwriting fits our agencies perfectly. We’re thrilled to welcome her back to Australia to lead the next chapter of growth for Envest Agencies.”
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Former agency CEO Richard Heilig has moved into the role of Envest Group chief investment officer. Heilig and Colin Fagen, interim CEO of Envest Agencies, will continue to support the business through the agency board.
Steedman will report into a local agency board and work as part of the Envest Group senior team led by Mullins, according to Ardonagh. An appointment for CEO of Orvia UK will be made in due course.
