Driving Lasting Change in Insurance: Why Transformation Needs More Than Just Good Intentions

In the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, transformation is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Innovation is essential not just to stay relevant, but to gain a competitive edge and differentiate in a crowded market.

The Case for Change

The insurance sector is facing unprecedented disruption. From the rapid rise of Insurtech startups to increasingly demanding customer expectations, insurers must evolve or risk obsolescence. Successful transformation requires more than just new technology—it demands a strategic approach, deep industry insight, and exceptional change management to ensure all stakeholders are engaged and the benefits of change are fully realised.

According to Willis Towers Watson’s Changing Point 2025 report, 70% of change initiatives fail, and only one-third fully achieve their intended goals. Unfortunately, this statistic rings true in an industry with a long history of high-profile transformation failures.

What We’ve Learned at GreenKite

At GreenKite, we’re often brought in to support complex or struggling projects—whether to provide project and change management expertise or to offer deep subject matter knowledge. Across our engagements, we’ve identified recurring themes that organisations should address before embarking on major change initiatives.

1. Define the Problem Clearly

It may sound simple, but many projects falter because the core problem isn’t clearly defined. A well-articulated problem statement provides a foundation for evaluating solutions and maintaining focus. Without this clarity, projects risk drifting off course.

2. Align with Business Strategy

Once the problem is defined, it must be assessed against the organisation’s strategic goals. If the proposed change doesn’t clearly support the broader business direction, securing budget, resources, and executive support will be an uphill battle.

3. Strong Executive Sponsorship

While most organisations assign a project sponsor, few truly understand the role. A great sponsor provides vision, secures resources, removes obstacles, and champions the project from start to finish. Their commitment and influence are often the difference between success and failure.

4. Invest in Change Management

Transformation isn’t just about systems and processes—it’s about people. Whether implementing AI, outsourcing, or adopting new ways of working, success depends on employee engagement. This requires thoughtful planning, clear communication, tailored training, and ongoing support to embed change across the organisation.

5. In-House vs. External Support

Most insurers have internal change teams—project managers, analysts, architects, and change leads. While these teams are valuable, there are distinct advantages to bringing in external consultancies:

• Expertise & Experience: Consultancies offer deep industry knowledge and proven methodologies. At GreenKite, our team combines subject matter expertise with hands-on change experience across the insurance sector.
• Objectivity: External partners bring fresh, unbiased perspectives and can challenge internal assumptions—especially valuable when projects are off track.
• Speed & Flexibility: With dedicated resources, consultancies can accelerate delivery. Unlike contractors, we offer adaptable teams that evolve with your project’s needs.
• Credibility: The involvement of a trusted consultancy can boost stakeholder confidence and support.
• Capacity Boost: External experts reduce pressure on internal teams, allowing them to focus on core operations.

Making Change Stick

In a rapidly shifting industry, insurers must embrace transformation to remain competitive. But transformation only delivers value when it’s executed well. That means having the right leadership, the right team, and the right support.

By augmenting your internal capabilities with experienced consultancy partners like GreenKite, you can accelerate delivery, reduce risk, and ensure your change initiatives deliver lasting impact. Together, we can drive change that sticks—unlocking long-term success and delivering exceptional value to your customers