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Madeline Bailey Named Head of InsTech as Datos Insights Reshapes Leadership

By Lauren Towner · 24 September 2026

In brief: Madeline Bailey has been named Head of InsTech at Datos Insights, succeeding co-founders Matthew Grant and Robin Merttens, who will remain as Datos Fellows.

Key facts
Effective DateOctober 1, 2026
New Head of InsTechMadeline Bailey
Founder Tenure10 years
Fellowship Program Launch2025
Press Release: Madeline Bailey Named Head of InsTech as Datos Insights Reshapes Leadership | Featured Image by FF News

Datos Insights, a leading global provider of data and advisory solutions to the financial services and insurance industries, today announced that Madeline Bailey will become Head of InsTech, effective October 1st. Bailey has been serving as an Executive Principal of InsTech, a position she assumed in July 2026. Robin Merttens, co-founder of InsTech in 2015, and Matthew Grant have led the organization for the last 10 years. Both will transition into new roles as Datos Fellows, each owning specific InsTech products and community initiatives.

Bailey has spent the past three months working alongside Grant and Merttens as a member of InsTech's Executive Leadership Team, drawing on more than two decades of experience across insurance, technology, consulting, and innovation. Her appointment as Head of InsTech extends that work, giving her full responsibility for the community's growth, member engagement, and strategic direction.

"Maddy has proven in just a few months what she can do for this community, and I'm thrilled to see her take the lead," said Kavitha Venkita, CEO, Datos Insights. "I also want to thank Matthew and Robin for building InsTech into what it is today. Their move to Datos Fellows means we keep their expertise and their voice in the community, just in a role that fits this next stage of growth."

Grant and Merttens join the Datos Fellows Program, the curated network of senior industry leaders Datos launched in 2025 to pair deep domain expertise with the firm's full-time advisory teams. As Fellows, both will remain closely involved with InsTech while narrowing their day-to-day focus. Grant will continue to host the Instech podcast and Merttens will continue to host and moderate selected InsTech events.

The move gives InsTech a single, focused point of leadership as it enters its next phase of growth, while keeping Grant's and Merttens's institutional knowledge and relationships close at hand through the Fellows Program.

"I'm honored to lead InsTech into this next chapter," said Madeline Bailey, Head of InsTech. "Matthew and Robin built something our members genuinely trust, and my focus is on reinforcing that trust as we grow, deepening the relationships and the insight members have come to expect, while opening InsTech up to new parts of the market."

Bailey will continue to work closely with Grant and Merttens through the transition, and InsTech's advisory teams and member-facing programs will continue operating without interruption.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the new Head of InsTech at Datos Insights?

Madeline Bailey is the new Head of InsTech, effective October 1, 2026. She previously served as Executive Principal and brings over 20 years of experience in insurance, technology, and innovation to the role.

What will happen to InsTech co-founders Matthew Grant and Robin Merttens?

Matthew Grant and Robin Merttens are transitioning into roles as Datos Fellows. They will remain involved with the community, with Grant continuing to host the InsTech podcast and Merttens moderating selected events.

What is the Datos Fellows Program?

Launched in 2025, the Datos Fellows Program is a curated network of senior industry leaders who pair deep domain expertise with Datos Insights' full-time advisory teams to support strategic initiatives.

About the companies

Datos Insights

Part of Pamlico Capital · Website · 72 stories and 3 video interviews on FF News since 2015

Previously on FF News:

InsTech

Part of Datos Insights · Website · 6 stories on FF News since 2023

Previously on FF News:

Companies in this story: Datos Insights, InsTech

People in this story: Robin Merttens, Matthew Grant, Madeline Bailey, Kavitha Venkita

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