Renee Murphy

Political events beyond a company’s control—such as sudden regime changes, civil unrest, or expropriation—can pose serious financial threats, impacting revenues, assets, operations, and contractual obligations. Political risk insurance exists to shield businesses from exactly these uncertainties. By transferring the potential economic fallout to an insurer, companies safeguard themselves against the full brunt of a crisis, preserving financial stability even when unforeseeable disruptions occur.

Ben & Jerry’s is an activist brand. It operates under a unique mission-driven board configuration that sets it apart from most subsidiaries of large corporations. Although owned by Unilever, the company maintains a semi-independent board specifically tasked with safeguarding its social mission, which includes environmental sustainability, human rights, and ethical business practices. This hybrid governance model combines traditional corporate oversight with dedicated representatives who ensure that Ben & Jerry’s activism and ethical commitments remain central to its decision-making. The board includes independent directors, Unilever representatives, employee voices, and social mission advocates, creating a structure designed to balance profitability with purpose, a rare approach in the corporate world.

AI adoption continues to accelerate across industries, promising efficiency gains, enhanced decision-making, and new revenue streams. However, organizations are increasingly exposed to operational risks that, if unmanaged, can result in financial losses, regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and ethical violations. These risks are not confined to deployment—they permeate every stage of the AI lifecycle, from data collection to continuous monitoring. Effective AI governance requires a holistic understanding of these risks and the implementation of proactive risk management strategies.

As we move further into the digital era, organizations face an increasingly complex landscape of risks—from brand reputation challenges to AI governance and cybersecurity concerns. To help professionals, and executives navigate these evolving threats, I am publishing my research categories for 2025/2026, highlighting the areas that will demand attention, insight, and innovation over the next two years.