Risk management isn’t just an IT issue – it’s about shared responsibility across the entire organization.
In many organizations, risk management still falls squarely on the IT department. It may seem logical – isn’t that where cybersecurity belongs? But once you scratch the surface, it quickly becomes clear that risks are everywhere: in the supply chain, finance, HR processes, management systems – and yes, in IT too.
To build a resilient and proactive organization, risk ownership must be treated as a business function – not a technical detail.
1. What is a Risk Owner – Really?
A risk owner is someone who:
- Owns the business area where the risk arises
- Has the authority to act on the risk
- Is responsible for assessing, managing, and following up on the risk
This might be the Head of Procurement, HR Manager, Product Owner, or Site Manager – depending on where the risk resides.
2. Link Risk Ownership to Everyday Roles
To make risk ownership feel natural, it should be linked to existing roles and functions. This isn’t about creating new titles or departments – it’s about assigning responsibility where the risk lives: in day-to-day operations.
| Business Area | Typical Risks | Who’s the Risk Owner? |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement | Supplier dependency, contract risks, sustainability issues | Head of Procurement or Supplier Relations Manager |
| Finance | Liquidity, financial reporting, budget uncertainty | CFO or Finance Manager |
| HR | Skills shortages, key personnel risk, work environment | HR Manager or Personnel Manager |
| IT | Downtime, data breaches, legacy systems | CIO or System Owner |
| Production | Safety, quality issues, equipment breakdowns | Production Lead or Site Manager |
| Executive Leadership | Strategic risks, compliance, reputation | CEO, COO, or other leadership team members |
Don’t Forget the Leadership Team
Executive leadership often owns strategic and overarching risks, such as:
- Changes in legislation
- Market shifts
- Reputational and stakeholder risks
- Regulatory compliance
These risks must not fall through the cracks. It’s crucial that someone in leadership actively owns them – ideally supported by a risk team or controller function.
What If There’s No Clear Owner?
In smaller organizations or in loosely structured environments, it may be hard to immediately identify a natural risk owner. In these cases:
- Start with the process or area where the risk arises – Who actually works with it?
- Look at who has decision-making power or influence – Can someone take action to reduce the risk?
- Appoint a temporary or coordinating owner – It’s better to have someone responsible than no one.
- Clearly document the responsibility – Use a risk register or tool to assign each risk to a specific person, even if it’s a function rather than a formal title.
Example:
In a smaller company without a formal procurement department, the CEO might handle supplier relationships. In that case, the CEO also becomes the risk owner for supplier-related risks – until responsibility can be delegated or formalized.
3. Support from Leadership and Tools
Risk ownership doesn’t work in a vacuum. It requires:
- Leadership support to clarify roles and responsibilities
- A system that makes it easy to identify, document, and follow up on risks
- A culture where it’s safe to raise risks early – and where people get support in managing them
With our SaaS platform, each risk owner gets a clear view of their risks, linked to processes, actions, and follow-up. This creates both structure and confidence.
4. Make It Measurable and Meaningful
Risk ownership becomes motivating when it:
- Can be measured and tracked
- Is tied to business objectives
- Leads to tangible improvements
Show how risk work contributes to higher quality, reduced costs, or less stress – and you’ll see real engagement.
Summary
Embedding risk ownership into the business isn’t about training more experts – it’s about making risk management a natural part of every leader’s and employee’s responsibility. With the right support, clear roles, and a practical tool, it’s absolutely achievable.
Get Started – Without Overcomplicating It
Our SaaS tool helps you kickstart structured risk management quickly, with clear ownership for each risk – no matter the size of your organization.
- Link risks and responsibilities to roles, processes, and actions
- Give managers and employees a simple interface
- Get a real-time overview of all organizational risks
Want to see it in action? Book a demo!