Why Operating Model Beats Portfolio Strategy in Insurance | Antonio Grimaldi, McKinsey

In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with Antonio Grimaldi, Partner at McKinsey, about how London Market carriers can unlock growth by redesigning their operating models, not just optimising portfolios. They explore why execution drives the majority of performance, how underwriting workflows must be reimagined to free up judgement-led work, and what the shift towards facilities, MGAs, and alternative distribution means for competitive differentiation. 

The conversation cuts through the AI hype, outlining a pragmatic buy-versus-build framework and the real cost of “POC purgatory”. Antonio also reframes relationship-based service for 2026, arguing that speed, clarity, and decisive underwriting strengthen broker relationships more than manual processes; especially in a softening market.

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Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.

Check out the three most downloaded episodes:

• The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo
• 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada
• Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's