Change and Transformation in the Private Sector
A successful project between Arthur J. Gallagher (Gallagher) and Deloitte, integrating the acquired reinsurance business of Willis Towers Watson (WTW). This landmark acquisition propelled Gallagher to the forefront of the global reinsurance industry, demanding a swift and comprehensive integration of over 2,500 employees, 130+ systems, and 1.5 petabytes of data.
The following summary outlines the successful project between Arthur J. Gallagher (Gallagher) and Deloitte in integrating the acquired reinsurance business of Willis Towers Watson (WTW). This landmark acquisition propelled Gallagher to the forefront of the global reinsurance industry, demanding a swift and comprehensive integration of over 2,500 employees, 130+ systems, and 1.5 petabytes of data.
Gallagher faced a complex and time-sensitive challenge. The acquisition came with stringent Transitional Service Agreements (TSAs) and penalties for missed deadlines. The integration involved migrating employees, data, and applications onto Arthur J. Gallagher’s existing infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
Deloitte and Gallagher adopted a collaborative “Change as a Service” model, leveraging Deloitte’s expertise and Gallagher’s in-house knowledge. This involved:
• Joint Leadership: Establishing joint leadership and delivery teams to ensure shared ownership and decision-making.
• Agile Methodology: Employing agile project management techniques, including automation and visualisation tools, to manage 21 parallel workstreams.
• Global Delivery Network: Leveraging Deloitte’s global network to mobilize over 140 skilled professionals across eight geographies.
• Change and Business Readiness: Implementing a dedicated change management approach to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and processes.
The project encompassed a wide range of services, including:
• TSA Exit: Successfully exiting nine IT TSAs ahead of schedule, mitigating financial risk and achieving cost savings.
• Employee Migration: Seamlessly migrating 2,500 employees onto Gallagher’s systems and hardware.
• Application Migration: Migrating or rebuilding over 130 business applications, including a new CRM system.
• Data Migration: Transferring and reconciling 1.5 petabytes of data.
• New Platform Delivery: Developing a new reinsurance broking platform to support core operations and future growth.
The project delivered significant results:
• Commercial Success: Exiting TSAs early, reducing costs and mitigating penalties.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency through integrated systems and processes.
• Market Leadership: Positioning Gallagher as a leading global reinsurance broker.
• Future-Proofing: Establishing a blueprint for future M&A integrations and large-scale change initiatives.
The project highlighted the importance of:
• Collaborative Partnerships: Building strong, trust-based relationships between client and consultant teams.
• Agile Delivery: Utilising agile methodologies to manage complex projects with tight deadlines.
• Change Management: Prioritising change management to ensure successful adoption and minimise disruption.
The successful integration of WTW’s reinsurance business has been transformative for Gallagher. The partnership with Deloitte enabled Gallagher to navigate a complex and challenging project, delivering significant business value and positioning the company for continued success in the global reinsurance market.
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