Kroll CEO Urges Proactive Defense as CEOs Underestimate Risk

Corporate executives worldwide are dangerously unprepared for the rapidly intensifying and complex risk landscape, according to Jacob Silverman, CEO of Kroll, the global financial and risk advisory firm.

Drawing on the company’s Global Business Sentiment Survey, Jacob warned that too many CEOs feel unable to navigate the confluence of cyber, geopolitical, and technological threats in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world.

This lack of readiness has become a major concern for senior leadership attempting to safeguard enterprise value.

The New Risk Landscape: Cyber, Geopolitics, and Physical Threats

The survey highlights a significant shift, with corporate threats extending beyond traditional financial concerns.

The top risks causing anxiety among CEOs include:

• Cyber Threats: Cybersecurity attacks from various state and criminal actors consistently top the list of concerns, with eight out of ten leaders reporting increased concerns over the past year.
• Geopolitical Instability: Geopolitical uncertainty is a major blind spot. The report found that only three out of tenorganizations feel very prepared to address potential tensions impacting their operations and supply chains.
• Holistic Security: Jacob stressed the need to manage risks holistically, integrating defenses against both virtual breaches and physical threats.

Kroll CEO Jacob Silverman Highlights The AI Governance Gap

One of the most alarming findings relates to the unchecked adoption of AI.

Jacob cautioned that while AI is a powerful tool, it is also “imperfect” and introduces significant corporate risk.

The survey revealed a critical paradox: 93% of organizations have already integrated AI tools into their businesses.

Yet, alarmingly, six out of ten surveyed organizations lack basic, foundational AI policies for employees.

This widespread governance gap leaves organizations vulnerable to data misuse and regulatory penalties.

Kroll CEO Flags Critical Gaps in Preparedness and Investment

The financial commitment to tackling these escalating risks remains insufficient.

Despite heightened concern over data privacy and compliance, only 12% of respondents globally rated their organizations as “extremely prepared” to handle these issues.

Furthermore, a dangerous disconnect exists between concern and action: of those executives worried about rising risks, less than half have increased budgets, expanded teams, or hired external experts to improve defenses.

Jacob noted that this often stems from a risky overconfidence among executives regarding their true vulnerability.

The Path Forward: Proactive Defense and Resilience

Jacob’s core advice centers on moving from a reactive stance to a proactive “security posture.” 

He advocates for an integrated management system for all risks—physical, cyber, and financial.

“Vigilance is absolutely key,” Jacob stated, concluding: “The companies that play the best defense are the ones that will eventually be in the best position to play offense.”

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