#None #Leadership Changes #Sapiens International #Advent

Sapiens International: Leadership Transformation Post-Acquisition

On December 17, 2025, Sapiens International Corporation N.V. revealed significant leadership appointments designed to steer the company into its next chapter following the closing of its acquisition by Advent. This pivotal transaction aims to bolster Sapiens' growth trajectory, enhance innovation capabilities, and expand its global footprint, enabling the company to deliver increased value to its stakeholders.

Roni Al-Dor, who has been a cornerstone of Sapiens for over two decades, announced his decision to step down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2025. Under his leadership, Sapiens has transformed into a prominent player in the insurance technology sector. His departure marks a new era for the company, as it shifts into private ownership under Advent.

The acquisition of Sapiens was first made public on August 13, 2025, and received shareholder approval on November 19, 2025, culminating in a successful close on December 17 due to the fulfillment of all necessary regulatory criteria. With the completion of this transition, Sapiens' common stock will no longer be traded on NASDAQ or the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, reflecting its new status as a private entity.

In the wake of these changes, Mike Ettling has been appointed as Executive Chairman. Ettling, who already serves as an Operating Partner at Advent, is a seasoned leader in the enterprise software arena, bringing more than 30 years of experience in working with insurance and financial services organizations. His previous roles include being the CEO of Unit4 and President of SAP SuccessFactors. As interim CEO, Ettling will guide Sapiens during this transitional phase while the board undertakes a search for a permanent CEO.

Highlighting the potential for growth, Ettling expressed, “Sapiens stands as a recognized leader in insurance technology, playing a crucial role for insurers facing rapid changes. I am honored to lead the company and its dedicated workforce of 5,400 as we embark on this new journey.”

In alignment with the strategic growth vision, the board also introduced new key appointments. Paul Wheeler takes over the role of Chief Financial Officer, leveraging his vast experience in private equity and technology ventures. Dr. Ernesto Marinelli has been named Chief People Success Officer, coming on board with extensive HR expertise, while James Hannay has stepped into the position of Chief Revenue Officer, tasked with spearheading Sapiens' go-to-market strategies.

Additionally, amid the restructuring, two leaders have been appointed to the newly-created role of Chief Customer Officer, focusing on customer-centric strategies within the Life Pensions and Property Casualty divisions. Both Tal Sharon and Sveta Hardak-Nissan will take on these crucial roles within their respective domains.

Former CFO Roni Giladi will transition out of his public-facing role but will assist Wheeler during the handover. His leadership has been instrumental in driving Sapiens from a revenue base of $45 million to an impressive $542 million in 2024, a testament to his pivotal role in the company’s strategic evolution, including the sale to Advent.

As Sapiens gears up for this transformational phase, it remains committed to maintaining its reputation as a leader in intelligent SaaS-based software solutions. The company aims to leverage AI and automation to provide top-notch services in various insurance sectors, including property, casualty, and life insurance. With over 600 clients across 30 countries, Sapiens is dedicated to nurturing partnerships that drive digital transformation and operational excellence.

In conclusion, as Sapiens International steps into a new chapter under Advent's ownership, the company is positioned to enhance its role in the insurance technology market. With a focus on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and strategic leadership, the firm is set to navigate the complexities of the industry and deliver enduring value to its stakeholders. The next few months will be crucial for Sapiens as it integrates these new leadership dynamics, embarking on an ambitious journey of growth and transformation.