AI adoption, a customer-centric perspective, and constructive dialogue: These are the key takeaways from InsurTech Hub Munich ’s kickoff event InsurTech Hub Munich March 2026.
It’s all about the community—and it’s growing bigger and stronger all the time. Over 200 guests from the insurance, tech, political, and academic sectors gathered in Munich for the ITHM’s annual kickoff event on March 4, 2026. They were treated to an evening of inspiration and discussion with the industry’s thought leaders.
Here are the key takeaways:
ERGO Chief Digital Officer Mark Klein spoke plainly in his keynote address: “Our industry’s ‘Kodak moment’ is happening right now.” He is convinced that those who prioritize wisely and invest in their workforce’s adoption of AI will come out ahead.
“You can’t do that without seeing things from the customer’s perspective,” explained Johanna Stier, Chief Customer Officer at Allianz Kunde und Markt GmbH, in her presentation. She has potential users test ideas from within the company, eliciting reactions ranging from “nobody needs that” to “Wow!”
“Even in a fully digitized world, it is ultimately they who make the purchasing decisions,” agreed Jan Meessen, Google Industry Leader for Insurance & Energy, during the panel discussion moderated by ITHM Chairman Dr. Klaus Driever.
Maximilian Buddecke (GBV Vertrieb die Bayerische) openly acknowledged that sales needs to evolve. An exciting approach: salespeople can use ChatGPT and similar tools to challenge and refine their sales pitches.
Startups are also happy to provide constructive feedback, added panelist Nele Wollert (muffintech)—because highly complex products, such as those in life insurance, can overwhelm even the smartest AI.
Frank Fischer, a lawyer with an LL.M. from the University of London (Annerton), urges companies not to blame regulatory constraints for the lack of innovation: “You can view them as a roadblock, but also as guardrails that help you navigate the curve safely.”
Getting employees, customers, sales staff, and the legal department on board with the AI journey: Check. But, as Dr. Arne Benzin, a member of the Executive Board of Generali Deutschland AG, so aptly puts it: If you don’t have the works council on your side as a key influencer, you can talk about transformation and upskilling all you want.
Thank you to all the speakers, members, and partners for a wonderful evening—and, of course, to the entire ITHM team, the Executive Board, and the Advisory Board. You are the community. And the best one anyone could ask for! Or, as State Secretary for Economic Affairs Tobias Gotthardt aptly put it in his opening remarks: “The ITHM is a prime example of cooperation in action.”
