Sapiens names Paul Wheeler Chief Executive Officer

Sapiens has appointed Paul Wheeler as Chief Executive Officer, while Mike Ettling will remain Executive Chairman.

Wheeler, currently Chief Financial Officer, succeeds Ettling, who has been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer alongside his board role. Ettling will support Wheeler through the leadership transition.

The appointment is part of Sapiens' effort to install a long-term chief executive as it reshapes the business around artificial intelligence in insurance software. Wheeler was selected following a review of internal and external candidates.

Wheeler joined Sapiens in December 2025, at the same time as Ettling. Since then, the two have worked closely.

Before joining Sapiens, Wheeler held senior finance and operating roles across several technology businesses and investment firms. His previous positions included Chief Financial Officer at Operative and Trema, Senior Operating Partner at Francisco Partners, Managing Director at ION Trading, and Chief Operating Officer at Efront.

The leadership change follows a broader period of strategic activity at the insurance software group. Recent steps include a minority investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the launch of an Insurance Agentification programme, and the opening of an AI Customer Experience Lab at the company's London headquarters in Holborn's Space House.

Leadership handover

Ettling had been leading Sapiens on an interim basis while also serving as Executive Chairman. Wheeler's appointment is intended to lead the next stage of the strategy under a permanent chief executive.

Commenting on the succession, Ettling said Wheeler became the board's preferred choice after the two worked together over the past year.

"I am delighted that Paul has agreed to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. I have worked with Paul since the beginning of 2025, and as both a friend and a colleague, I can attest that he is the ideal person to take on the mantle of CEO. His commitment, depth of operational experience and warm manner are known to all of us who have worked with him already. His outstanding leadership background means he is the clear choice to lead Sapiens. I look forward to continuing to support him, and Sapiens, as Executive Chairman," said Mike Ettling, Executive Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer of Sapiens.

Wheeler described the appointment as a continuation of the company's current direction, with Ettling remaining involved as chair.

"I am honoured by the Board's confidence and by Mike's continued partnership as we manage this transition together. Sapiens is entering an extraordinary period as an AI-native company powering the autonomous insurer of tomorrow. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that Mike and the team have put in place, and to seeing many of our customers at the Summit in October," said Wheeler.

Sapiens develops software for the insurance sector and has been positioning itself around AI-led products and services. Wheeler now takes charge as the company moves into the next phase of that strategy.