Managing CEO Performance in a Volatile World: The Geopolitical Landscape in 2025

The year 2024 was marked by significant geopolitical change, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the sudden  toppling of the Assad regime in Syria. Voters in more than 60 countries around the world went to the polls. Political instability came to  both developed economies (such as France and South Korea) and emerging markets (such as South Africa). Meanwhile, the global economy is still plagued with uncertainty, as the prospect of recession and the possibility of hampered global trade due to tariff policies and geopolitical factors still loom. Inflation may continue to be a risk in the backdrop as developed economies are well into a rate-cut cycle. This panel discussion explored how boards can help CEOs respond to ongoing and emerging geopolitical risks in 2025. In addition, the panelists shed light on the implications of these risks to CEO performance and compensation.

Speakers

Laura Burns

Head of Political Risk, North America, WTW

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Laura leads the political risk insurance broking practice in North America for WTW. Based in Washington, DC, she specializes in providing political risk management expertise to Fortune 1000 corporations and non-profit organizations, with investment exposure in emerging markets. With 23 years of experience as an underwriter and broker...

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Bill Deckelman, NACD.DC

Chief Legal Officer, Andersen Global

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Bill Deckelman is Chief Legal Officer of Andersen Global, a global professional services firm employing more than 17,000 professionals operating in 170 countries.  He previously was EVP and General Counsel of DXC Technology Company...

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Dr. Barbara N. Stevens, NACD.DC

Owner/Founder, Nelson Analytic; Independent Board Director

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Dr. Barbara N. Stevens served in the Central Intelligence Agency for 35 years. As a former executive leader and manager, Stevens built and then directed complex data-science programs. Since leaving government, Stevens has become the managing member of Nelson Analytic Consulting LLC...

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Ken Kuk (Moderator)

Sr. Director, Metro DC Line of Business Leader, Work and Rewards | Executive Compensation and Board Advisory, WTW

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Ken Kuk leads the Executive Compensation and Board Advisory practice for WTW’s Washington D.C. office and the global professional services industry vertical. Ken advises boards and senior management on matters related to executive compensation, board effectiveness and ESG. ...

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NACD and the NACD Chapter Network organizations (NACD) are non-partisan, nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing directors with the opportunity to discuss timely governance oversight practices. The views of the speakers and audience are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NACD.