John Bremen
Head of Innovation, WTW
June 3, 2026 | WTW
Understanding Risk in a More Complex, Interconnected World
Risk Summit 2026
Risk is more complex, more interconnected, and harder to contain.
Cyber threats evolve in real time. Geopolitical dynamics shift quickly. And regulatory expectations continue to expand — bringing greater scrutiny and higher stakes for organizations. At the same time, many are still operating with models built for a more consistent and predictable environment — and that gap is where risk is growing.
Risk Summit 2026 is designed for this moment.
This half-day program offers a clear, focused look at how risk is showing up today — across AI, cyber, global systems, and operational dependencies — and what it takes to respond with greater clarity and coordination. You’ll leave with a better understanding of today’s risk landscape — and approaches to help navigate it.
9 a.m. | Welcome Remarks: Paul Smithivas, WTW
9:00 – 9:20 a.m. | Risk Management: Exploring and Understanding the Current Landscape
9:20 – 9:50 a.m. | The External Risk Environment
9:50 a.m. | Break
10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | AI, Cyber Threats, and Regulatory Exposures
10:50 – 11:30 a.m. | Geopolitical Risk Lessons: Exclusions, Coverage, and Watchlists
We delve into the evolving challenges and opportunities businesses face in today’s complex risk environment. With rapidly changing economic, regulatory, and technological factors, it’s essential for companies to stay ahead of emerging risks, from cybersecurity threats to supply chain disruptions.
This session will provide insights on identifying, assessing, and mitigating both traditional and modern risks, offering practical strategies to build a proactive risk management framework.
Head of Innovation, WTW
Risk is increasingly shaped by factors outside the organization’s direct control. Third-party vendors, global supply chains, and digital infrastructure have created deep dependencies, while geopolitical instability and legal pressures continue to evolve. Disruptions in one area can quickly cascade across operations, reputation, and financial performance.
This session explores where organizations are most exposed, how interconnected risks are developing, and what leaders need to understand to better assess, manage, and respond to risk across a more complex external environment
Chief Legal Officer, CDW
Managing Director, Crisis Communications, FTI Consulting
Managing Director, WTW
AI is accelerating the pace and complexity of risk. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, while organizations are simultaneously embedding AI into their own systems, operations, and decision-making. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny is increasing — with higher expectations for oversight, governance, and response.
This session examines how the cyber landscape is evolving, where organizations are most vulnerable, and how leaders can approach AI-driven risk with greater clarity, discipline, and control.
Head of Innovation, WTW
Partner, Data & Cybersecurity, Baker McKenzie
Risk Advisory Principal, Cyber Risk Services, Baker Tilly
What are geopolitical risks, and how do unknown or emerging geopolitical developments impact businesses, supply chains, insurance coverage, and operational resilience? We explore policy exclusions, specialist coverage solutions, evolving market responses, and the protection gaps that remain.
We’ll examine how interconnected risks can influence future geopolitical and economic shifts worldwide and the actions to plan now.
Managing Director and Head of Trade Receivable and Supply Chain Finance for North America, WTW Credit Risk Solutions
Director of Political Risk Analysis, WTW
Vice President of Research for Geostrategy and Diplomacy, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
