Envest has appointed former QBE and Aviva executive Belinda Steedman as head of its underwriting agencies.

Ms Steedman has 30 years’ insurance industry experience in the South African, Australian and UK markets. She will join the Envest Group executive team.

“We’ve known Belinda for many years and watched her build an outstanding career in Australia and on the global stage,” CEO Greg 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.”

Ms Steedman was at QBE for 14 years, becoming GM of SME. She later joined Aviva in London, where roles included head of multinational and director of global proposition, overseeing multinational, delegated underwriting authority and Lloyd’s service companies.

Envest’s agencies portfolio includes Blue Zebra, Ando, Club 4X4, ATL, LAUW and Chase Underwriting.

Ms Steedman said: “What attracted me to Envest is its entrepreneurial culture, combined with the scale and global backing of the Ardonagh Group.”

Former agencies CEO Richard Heilig has become Envest Group chief investment officer and, with interim CEO Colin Fagen, will remain on the agencies board.

Meanwhile, London-headquartered parent Ardonagh has announced it is bringing its managing general agents globally under the Orvia Underwriting brand, starting with the UK.

The change will take effect for Envest Agencies next year, with the underlying business brands continuing.

Ardonagh CEO David Ross says the change is significant as the agencies business begins to pivot to a global product-led operating model.

“Revealing the scale of our MGA operations worldwide will be the first of a series of changes we will be making as we lean into a different marketplace, one where we can bring our data and placement power into full view of the industry,” he said.

Orvia will bring together more than $US3 billion ($4.3 billion) in global gross written premium.