FERMA underlines key role of risk managers

The pivotal role of the risk manager in aligning risk management and business strategy more effectively across the entire value chain was a central theme of the opening day of the FERMA Seminar 2025, a two-day event in Zurich, Switzerland.

In her welcome address to attendees at the seminar Charlotte Hedemark, President of FERMA, said: “This year’s theme, ‘Going Beyond the Value Chain’, reflects the evolving role of risk managers in a world that is increasingly complex, interconnected and unpredictable. Our responsibilities no longer stop at the boundaries of our organisations. Today, we are called upon to understand and influence risks across entire ecosystems – from suppliers and investors to regulators and society at large.”

Describing the event as “an opportunity for real and meaningful exchanges” and one which “continues to foster collaboration and community”, Hedemark urged attendees to “use these two days to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas and build resilience – not just within our own organisations, but across the entire value chain. Let us go beyond.”

Keynote speaker Fiona Watson, Vice President, Corporate Performance and Accountability at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, highlighted the current and growing impact of physical climate risks on value chains.

“Reality, not regulation, is driving the agenda” Watson explained. “Physical climate risks are already disrupting global value chains, eroding profitability, and creating systemic financial instability. With climate-related risks projected to cost businesses up to $1.2 trillion a year by 2050[1], the impacts of climate change are now crossing into corporate strategy. Companies must integrate these environmental realities into decision-making to remain resilient and relevant." 

Addressing the central role of risk managers in supporting long-term value creation, she added: “Risk managers have a pivotal role to play in mobilising executive alignment around physical risk and resilience. For them, resilience is not simply another control mechanism but a strategic capability that underpins long-term value creation. By framing resilience as a driver of enterprise value rather than a cost, risk managers can redefine their function as architects of business resilience and strategic advantage."

The opening day also included a discussion on the key skills required to be an effective risk manager in the current and future landscape, operating as an enabler of business success, and adopting an integrated approach to value chain risk management which goes beyond mere compliance.

Workshops over the two days will focus on critical risk management topics including: addressing challenges in the value chain, investor perspectives on the value chain, using captives to support ESG goals, navigating requirements under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directives, climate risk and geopolitical risk preparedness.

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