Beyond Boundaries | Navigating the Insurtech Shift with Andrew Johnston (Gallagher Re)

Welcome back to the Beyond Boundaries interview series, where we speak with the people shaping how insurance is built, scaled, and reimagined around the world.

In this episode, Sønr’s CEO Matt Connolly is joined by Andrew Johnston, Global Head of InsurTech at Gallagher Re, for a deep and refreshingly honest conversation about the evolution of innovation in reinsurance.

Andrew has spent the past ten years working at the intersection of broking and startup advisory, and in that time has helped define what it means to support early-stage companies within a complex, global industry. From launching Gallagher Re’s global insurtech practice to building one of the most-read reports in the sector, his work is grounded in trust, insight, and execution.

🎙️In this episode, we go deep on:

• What Gallagher Re’s insurtech practice actually does — and who it’s for
• Why artificial intelligence is different this time, and how Gallagher is responding
• How Andrew and his team validate startups before making client introductions
• The unlikely rise of his insurtech report and why it continues to resonate

📍 What you’ll also hear:
Andrew shares how brokers are playing a more strategic role in the innovation landscape, supporting new insurance capacity, advising tech vendors, and helping insurers adapt. He reflects on the maturity of the ecosystem, the need for long-term thinking, and the practical realities of scaling great ideas.

A huge thank you to Andrew for sharing his journey, including the story behind one of the sector’s most-read reports, and for offering such candid insights into what is shaping the future of insurance innovation.

💡 This is a must-listen for founders, corporate innovators, and anyone building the future of insurance.

To explore more of the people and companies defining global insurance innovation, the full Beyond Boundaries study offers a deep dive into emerging ecosystems, investor themes, and insurer strategies worldwide. The 2025 report will officially launch at ITC Vegas this October – a milestone moment for the global insurtech community.

Click here to learn more about Beyond Boundaries.

📧 Want to get involved? Reach out at [email protected]