New in role: benchmarking operating models and emerging risks in a new sector
2023-2024
I've recently joined a fast-growing digital company as CRO, after working for many years in the energy sector. My board have asked me to restructure the risk team, and to start horizon scanning for emerging risks for the first time in the organisation. How can I benchmark my proposed approach against peers in this new sector?
Risk Leadership Network member
CRO, fast-growing digital company in the UK
1. Created a bespoke benchmark on operating models of technology companies
The model compares the risk reporting lines, team structures, operating models and risk priorities at technology companies, ranging from the fasting-growing start-ups to some of the largest businesses on the NASDAQ and other indices.


2. Facilitated a series of 1-to-1 meetings
We facilitated a series of 1-to-1 meetings with risk leaders who had implemented the operating models that the member was attracted to, allowing them to ask candid questions and dig deep on specific aspects of the structure and its implementation.


3. Produced a bespoke report benchmarking emerging risk in the technology sector
Using our AI-powered Horizon Scanning Tool, we identified the top emerging risks externally reported in 40+ global reports including those from the World Economic Forum and the European Commission, consultants reports, company annual reports etc.
Then we interviewed 17 risk teams in the technology sector and asked them to rank those emerging risks in order of priority.
We put this data into a report for the member, to highlight trends and blind spots.


How this helped
They introduced the right new operating model
Using data and insight from trusted peers in the company's new sector, they were confident they'd made the right choice.
Identified blind spots
The member was confident they'd identified blind spots in their horizon scanning, using bespoke benchmarking data from peers.
Saved time and budget
The member was able to get to the right answers quickly, without having to enrol costly external consultants.