Energy Risk Debates: the role of the risk manager
Panellists discuss the different roles of the risk manager, how much standardisation there is across firms and whether the role is ever clear
Even in companies that are very similar, the role of the risk manager can vary widely. Whether it’s a narrow compliance and policing-type role, or a much wider business support-type role can depend on a host of factors.
These include the risk manager’s own experience and preferences, the support they receive from the board, who they report to, company culture and the past experiences of the firm.
With job descriptions often fluid, there is a lot of scope for the risk manager to shape the role if they are proactive and prepared to make connections across the organisation.
With today’s increased risk and unpredictability, the remit of the risk manager is expanding as the focus on enterprise risk and integrative modelling grows.
Panellists
Brett Humphreys, head of risk management at environmental markets specialist Karbone.
Tuncay Pekin, head of risk management at MN8 Energy, formerly Goldman Sachs Renewable Power.
Federica Strumia, senior director of risk management at sustainable energy services firm, Targray.
Key discussion points
0.56 What’s your definition of a risk manager?
3.31 Does it make a material difference who the risk manager reports into – for example, if it’s the chief financial officer rather than the board?
5.28 How much does the role of risk manager differ from company to company and is it always clear what the role is?
7.35 How is the increased focus on ERM impacting the risk manager – is the remit getting bigger?
12.08 What is the key skill that energy risk managers are going to need in 2026 and beyond?
More on Risk management
Energy supply chain challenges prompt risk management rethink
As supply chain challenges grow, energy risk managers are taking a more dynamic and holistic approach to managing and anticipating supply chain risk, say Sapna Amlani and Stephen Golliker at Moody’s
Energy Risk Europe Leaders’ Network: the challenge of unpredictability
The European Leaders’ Network, sponsored by Engie, convened in London on June 29, 2026, and focused on the impact of geopolitical tension, price volatility and policy uncertainty on European energy markets.
Break down silos to manage geopolitics – risk managers
Risk Live: Experts says scenario planning helps identify who has information needed in a crisis
Treat AI models as would-be hackers, says quant
Risk Live: Models capable of “strategic deception” require different risk management, says former Risk.net quant of the year
AI autonomy may redefine risk management roles
Risk Live: Machine validation of autonomous processes may emerge “relatively soon”, EIF risk chief says
Managing extreme volatility in commodities
Persistent volatility requires a rethink of technology architecture, says Murex head of market risk practice
Commodity volatility prompts a rethink of risk frameworks
Commodity market volatility is exposing the cracks in firms’ risk management frameworks and policies
Asian banks close out energy clients as Iran war bites
Firms with short jet fuel positions faced losses up to $100 million as initial margin soared 566%