Donaldson’s new Ardonagh role revealed as broker launches global data and technology arm

Ardonagh has launched a new global data and technology unit that will be chaired by Ian Donaldson.

Called Ardonagh Intelligence, the new arm will aim to create a single view of the data and technological capabilities across the group.

It will do this by making the most of robotics, machine learning and data enrichment.

The new unit also builds on the insights of the Analytics Lab, which was launched in 2021 with support from the Irish Government.

The division will be headed up by managing director Sami Sulaiman and chaired by Ian Donaldson, who left his role as chief executive at Ardonagh Retail in 2023 to oversee Atlanta Group’s merger with Markerstudy.

As revealed by Insurance Times, Donaldson stepped down as chief executive of distribution at Markerstudy following completion of the deal, with him deciding to return to Ardonagh.

In his new role, Donaldson will focus on building out the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across Ardonagh’s global platforms.

“It is hard to understate the transformational effect of digital insights across the businesses in Ardonagh’s portfolio,” he said.

“By bringing this work together under a unified strategy, we can support local leaders with a roadmap incorporating the latest technologies that will have an immediate and tangible impact on everything, from improving productivity to identifying risk insights and growth opportunities, while continuing to invest in the future.”

Sulaiman

Sulaiman, meanwhile, joined Ardonagh in October 2024 following its acquisition of PSC Insurance Group.

He has worked in a range of broking, claims and operational roles and for the last eight years, he oversaw business operations as managing director at Carrolls.

He said: “Data-driven insights and AI-powered automation make the difference between a good business and an exceptional one.

“Ardonagh’s opportunity is unique because it brings together so many businesses which invested early and already excel in this field. By bringing together our global capabilities, we can extend the reach of that expertise and power it to go further and deeper.”