Chief Risk Officer

Chief Risk Officer (CRO)Phoenix Pro Connectors is working with a global client seeking a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a critical C-level position responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework across the organization. The CRO will play a pivotal role in safeguarding capital, protecting stakeholders, and ensuring sustainable growth by embedding risk awareness into decision-making at every level.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain an enterprise-wide risk management framework aligned with regulatory standards and the company's risk appetite.Advise senior leadership and the Board on strategic, financial, operational, and reputational risk exposures.Establish key risk indicators, tolerance levels, and reporting protocols to strengthen oversight and governance.Provide oversight of core areas such as underwriting, claims, reinsurance, investments, and liquidity management.Monitor operational risks, including technology, cybersecurity, fraud, and compliance.Partner with finance, actuarial, and compliance teams to ensure sound reserving, solvency, and capital management.Collaborate with first-line business leaders to reinforce ownership of risk while ensuring independent oversight from the risk function.Deliver independent risk reporting to executive leadership and the Board.Maintain clear separation of oversight and business operations while providing effective challenge.Work with internal audit and external stakeholders to validate and improve risk frameworks.Build and lead a high-performing risk management function spanning operational, financial, and compliance disciplines.Foster a strong culture of risk awareness across the enterprise.Provide training and mentoring to leaders and employees, ensuring risk awareness is embedded into everyday business decisions.Influence and align diverse stakeholders, balancing risk appetite with growth and performance objectives.Lead the design and execution of business continuity and disaster recovery strategies.Serve as a key leader during crisis events, ensuring protection of stakeholders, employees, and organizational assets.QualificationsBachelor's degree in finance, risk management, actuarial science, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or Master's) preferred.Professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, ARM, or CPCU are highly desirable.15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, financial services, or insurance, with 7+ years at a senior leadership level.Strong understanding of risk-based capital frameworks, regulatory compliance, and insurance or financial operations.Proven ability to communicate risk concepts clearly to Boards, regulators, and executive peers.Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide risk initiatives in complex or global environments.Bilingual English/Spanish fluency is a plus.Core CompetenciesStrategic alignment of risk with organizational goals.Strong governance and policy-setting expertise.Executive presence and independent judgment.Collaborative leadership across functions, geographies, and cultures.High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and crisis management ability.