Don’t eat the whole elephant in one go: the case for a smarter AI strategy in insurance

2026-08-11 · Source: Insurance Business UK

Summary in 3 Points • Ben Warren leads Gallagher's data, AI and innovation unit after a career in media and telecommunications • Gallagher aims to transform insurance from a transactional model to intelligence-led partnerships using data • Gallagher's research shows it takes about 28 months to realise value from AI investments --- Ben Warren, who transitioned from media and telecommunications to insurance, now leads Gallagher's data, AI, and innovation unit. His career has been marked by a focus on digital transformation and data utilisation. At Gallagher, Warren is steering efforts to shift the insurance industry from a transactional model to intelligence-led partnerships, uses data as a strategic asset. Gallagher Drive®, the firm's analytics platform, exemplifies this approach by providing insights to optimise insurance and benefits programmes. Despite the enthusiasm for AI, Warren notes the gap between investment and realisation, with research indicating an average of 28 months to see returns on AI investments. Gallagher aims to bridge this gap by supporting organisations in adopting technology effectively.

London market impact

The London insurance market could see significant changes as firms like Gallagher push for a shift from transactional models to intelligence-led partnerships. This transformation may influence underwriting practices, as data-driven insights become crucial for decision-making. Insurers might need to invest in analytics platforms to remain competitive, potentially affecting policy pricing and risk assessment. The 28-month timeline to realise AI investment returns points to the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure timely adoption and integration of new technologies.