As sustainability regulations reshape the global business landscape, risk professionals are increasingly expected to align enterprise risk management with evolving disclosure standards. In this RIMS 2025 session, Lisa Lipuma, Director of Enterprise Risk Consulting at Willis, discussed how integrating double materiality assessments can unlock long-term value by addressing both financial and impact risks. The discussion explored the practical application of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and how these frameworks expand risk oversight across the value chain and can be embedded within existing ERM structures for more sustainable, responsible governance. Regulatory Landscape
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Operating across borders introduces a unique set of risks that demand tailored insurance solutions and strategic oversight. In this session at RIMS 2025, Will Mule, Vice President and Global Risk Solutions Practice Leader at HUB International, examined the complexities of managing insurance programs for international operations, exploring global policy design, compliance considerations, and responsiveness. What constitutes good service? No client is the same, so everyone has a different idea of good service. It requires constant evaluation and matching the right partners. Understanding the business, values, and risk management philosophies is key to building that relationship. Excellent communication between the broker,
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Fostering a culture of mental wellness in the workplace starts with awareness, advocacy, and supportive community-building. This session at RIMS 2025 explored how colleague resource groups can play a vital role in promoting mental health, driving inclusion, and creating more connected work environments. Speakers included: • Michelle Ryan – Client Director, AIG • Jenna Dempsey – Brand Experience Project Manager, PMP, Sedgwick • Virginia Baba – Senior Risk Claims Manager, Petsmart LLC • Kimberly George – Global Head of Product Development and Innovation, Sedgwick Q: How did you start your ERG program start? A (Virginia): Petsmart calls its employees, associates,
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Among the most difficult threats risk professionals face is the possibility of an armed individual causing harm to employees, students, or the public. While this devastating risk often lies beyond an organization’s direct control, there remains a clear expectation to address it with purpose and preparedness. This session at RIMS 2025 revisited crisis response strategies and insurance solutions, while also highlighting how traditional risk management efforts often remain disconnected from larger societal approaches. Speakers included: • Erin Davis – Sr. Counsel, Director of Litigation, Brady United • Tanya Schardt – Sr. Counsel Director of State and Federal Policy, Brady United
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the risk management landscape, but understanding its capabilities and constraints is essential for responsible adoption. In this RIMS 2025 session, Steve Kappel, Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Safety National, and James Benham, CEO & Co-Founder of JBK, Terra, and The InsurTech Geek Podcast, explored the foundational technologies behind AI integration, including APIs, workflow automation, and data warehousing. The discussion emphasized the importance of AI literacy across organizations and examined how poor planning, overhyped expectations, and overlooked ethical and legal issues can undermine success. Why AI Matters and the Risks of
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In today’s rapidly evolving construction industry, effective risk management and insurance strategies are more critical than ever. This session at RIMS 2025 featured emerging trends and key challenges in construction risk. Through a collaborative discussion, risk professionals highlighted recent challenges. Presenters included: Cheryl Berman, Risk Manager at Brady West, Inc. Ted Dann, Real Estate & ESG Practice Leader at RE-Risk Advisors Mega Projects Projects that employ multiple general contractors, a large footprint with several buildings, and that take many years to complete are considered “mega projects.” Often insuring these projects takes months of complex underwriting. Mega projects are also ripe
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To reduce injuries and control costs from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), many employers use physical abilities tests during hiring. However, if not properly designed, these tests can lead to legal challenges and even scrutiny from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This session at RIMS 2025, presented by Deborah Lechner, President at EgoScience, highlighted 10 common pitfalls and safer, legally defensible alternatives to protect your organization. 1. Making Premature Medical Inquiries. There are several stages of the hiring process. In stage 1 before you make the offer, you cannot ask about medical information. In stage 2, after you have made the
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Public entities today are navigating a wide range of complex and evolving risk challenges, from budget constraints and regulatory changes to reputational threats and operational disruptions. In this collaborative roundtable session at RIMS 2025, attendees engaged with a panel of experts to explore the most pressing issues impacting public sector organizations and exchanged real-world strategies for overcoming them. Speakers included: • Mike Tiffany – Executive Director, Arizona School Risk Retention Trust • Jason Gates – Director, Bureau of State Risk Management, State of Wisconsin • Marcus Henthorn – Managing Director, Gallagher Public Sector & K-12 Education • Mark Walls –
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Product recalls pose significant risks to public safety, organizational finances, and brand reputation, yet many companies remain underprepared for the complexities they bring. In this session at RIMS 2025, Chris Harvey, Senior Vice President of Brand Protection at Sedgwick, shared strategies for building a robust recall response plan. Recall Landscape The U.S. has roughly 3500 product recalls a year, which equates to about 66 per week. A reduction in frequency post-covid combined with a more focused approach to product safety and third-party suppliers has led to an overall decline. European regulations have changed requiring more diligence to keep up with
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To achieve strategic success, risk management must move beyond compliance and play an active role in how enterprise objectives are established and pursued. This session at RIMS 2025 showed how enterprise risk management, operational assessments, analytics, and risk visualization can help leadership teams align priorities, consolidate critical data, and allocate resources more effectively – all while strengthening decision-making across the organization. The session was presented by: Andrew Tait Managing Director, Integrated Risk Leader Sigma7 Strategic Risk Solutions From a strategic perspective, risk planning is inherently connected to meeting the organization’s goals. To become the advisor, the risk manager needs to
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