Editor's Note
Redefining Integrated Risk Management in 2025
In a world defined by rapid change, uncertainty, and interconnected challenges, the role of Integrated Risk Management has never been more crucial Organizationstodayfacenotonlytraditionalrisks,butalso complex disruptions fueled by digital transformation, regulatory shifts, cybersecurity threats, and global market volatility Leaderswhocannavigatethisdynamiclandscape with vision and resilience stand apart as true catalysts of sustainablesuccess.
This edition of CIOLook titled, Most Remarkable Leader in Integrated Risk Management to Watch in 2025 celebrates such an individual Mathieu George. With an unwavering commitment to foresight, strategy, and innovation, Mathieu embodies the essence of modern risk leadership. His approach goes beyond mitigating potential threats; it focuses on transforming risks into opportunities, empowering organizations to build resilience and achieve long-termgrowth.
WhatmakesMathieuparticularlyremarkableishisabilityto align risk management with organizational goals, ensuring thatitisnotperceivedasaconstraintbutasadriverofagility
and performance His leadership reflects a deep understanding of both the technical and human dimensions of risk, striking a balance between data-driven insights and thecollectiveintelligenceofteams.
As we step into 2025, leaders like Mathieu remind us that integratedriskmanagementisnotjustaboutprotection,itis about empowerment. It is about giving organizations the confidencetoinnovate,toexpand,andtothrive,eveninthe faceofuncertainty
We are honored to feature Mathieu George in this special edition and to showcase his inspiring journey as a leader whosevisioncontinuestoshapethefutureofintegratedrisk management.Mayhisstoryencourageusalltoembracerisk notwithfear,butwithcourageandclarity
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C OV E R S TO RY
Mateu
Mateu Gorge
Championing Customer-Centric Solutions in Cybersecurity
“Maintaining flexibility in the face of rapidly changing cyber threats is a top priority for us at VigiTrust.”
VigiTrust | CEO
In a world where the cyber space is under the unprecedentedrateofcyberattacksaswellasregulatory demandsthatarebecomingmoreandmorecomplicated, visionary leadership within the security domain has perhaps never been more important. It is against this intimidating background that Mathieu Gorge has become a force to be reckoned with, revolutionizing the way organizations approachsecurity,compliance,andriskmanagement.
EarlyFoundations:EducationandVariedBeginnings
Mathieu's cybersecurity experience is complemented by an education that spans and business schools. He developed a very sharp sense of describing complex technological concepts in business terms that will be comprehensible. Before VigiTrust was established, Mathieu had gained experiences across many sectors including IT security consulting, governance, risk and compliance advisory, and paymentsecurity Theseinitialencountersexposedhimtothe subtletiesinwhichorganizationsarecompelledtooperateas they struggle to obtain sensitive information and meet regulationswithinachangingenvironment.
Mathieu's introduction into the business world was from marketing,law,andlanguages,andnotviatechnology.Itwas thisunlikeliestofbackgroundsthatinstilledinhimadifferent kind of thinking that would enable him to truly value the richnessofriskandthehighestvalueofclearcommunication amongtechnologycommunitiesandbusinessleaders.Itwas thisintegrationofthesedisciplinesthatwouldbethehallmark ofhisleadershipstyle.
TheGenesisofVigiTrust:BringingInsighttoLife
Mathieu's long track record of managing security standards such as PCI DSS, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, VRM, and ISO 27001hastaughthimthevalueofstrongbutflexiblesecurity controls and good risk management.After it had dawned on him how most businesses were struggling to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving regulations, Mathieu began VigiTrust with a very crystal-clear vision: simplifying the world of cybersecurity and compliance by being innovative andcustomer-centric
VigiTruststartedassecurityconsultingandthenmovedinto SaaSprovidersafter15years.Mathieudirectedthecompany to develop scalable, automated products that streamline compliance operations, provide actionable information, and seamlesslyintegratewiththefirm'scurrentITinfrastructure. Not only did it reduce the risk of errors due to human
“My goal has always been to simplify the complex world of cybersecurity and compliance so organizations can turn regulation into a strategic advantage.”
intervention, it also brought compliance within reach of organizationsofallsizeandshape,nomattertheresources.
Leadership Philosophy: Inclusive, Transparent, and Empowering
Mathieu'sleadershipphilosophyistransparent,empowering, and inclusive. He is a believer that innovation grows in an environment of extensive thinking and open debate. By creating a culture of collaboration based on trust, Mathieu ensureseverymemberoftheteamhearstheirvoiceandfeels motivated to contribute towards creating a difference in the purposeofthecompany
He remains close to product development and customer engagement, eschewing top-down operations for hands-on management. This allows VigiTrust to remain close to the realitiesofwhatitscustomerstrulyneed,andisabletokeep on developing usable, functional tools that yield concrete results.
Fostering Technological Ingenuity: Automatization and Flexibility
Mathieu'sgreatestcontributiontothecybersecurityindustry is his relentless drive towards innovation. He enabled customerstomonitorcompliancestatusinreal-time,identify vulnerabilities, and generate audit-ready reports with minimalhumanintervention.
Mathieu's forward-thinking spirit knows that conformity is not absolute. With changing regulation and risk comes the necessityforchangingtoolsandtechniquesthatorganizations use to protect themselves. Under Mathieu's leadership, VigiTrusthasdesignednimble,flexibleproductsthatevolve with changing demands, so customers are vision-led rather thanbackward-lookinginachangingworld.
AdvocatingCustomerSuccess:APartnershipModel
Mathieu strongly believes that customer relationships are partnerships rather than transactions.This is proven through highly supported service models provided byVigiTrust. For instance, one-to-one induction, routine training, and flexible customer service. Mathieu speaks directly to customers on numerousoccasions,takingideasandfeedbackindesigning thecompany'sproductscontinuously.
With his deep customer success orientation, Mathieu has developed a diversified and loyal customer base across finance,healthcare,retail,manufacturing,andotherhighly
regulated sectors. By sincerely focusing on learning and on the distinct challenges of each organization, he has been instrumental in turning VigiTrust into a go-to partner in the globalcybersecuritymarketplace.
Industry Leadership: Thought Leadership and CommunityEngagement
Mathieu's influence extends beyond the boundaries of VigiTrust.As a regular conference, webinar, and roundtable speaker,Mathieuisaglobaltopexpertoncybersecurityand compliance. As a byline thought leadership article author, panelist, and subject-matter-expert forum, Mathieu campaigns for wiser, more unified risk management and regulatorycompliancestrategies.
He is also a strong advocate for collaboration between technology suppliers, regulators, and purchasers, only through collaboration, he holds, will the sector build a stronger, more open cybersecurity community Mathieu's workdispelsmythfromregulationtoenableorganizationsto think of security as a strategic enabler rather than a cost functionthatdrivesinnovationandgrowth.
Thriving Despite Adversity: Being Lean in a Changing World
Running a company in the high-tech environment of cybersecurity and compliance is never easy Mathieu has to fight the constant battle of staying in front of the regulatory curve, adapting emerging cyber threats, and adapting client requirements. The tightrope walk between innovation and operational excellence is a challenge that has to be watched andexecuted.
Mathieu's approach to how to best tackle such challenges is grounded in continuous learning and adaptability He gives keynote addresses at high-security conferences, holds meetings with industry regulators, and remains actively involved in research and thought leadership. Such commitment to lifelong learning places VigiTrust at the leadingedgeofindustrypracticesandtrends.
The VigiTrust Global Advisory Board: Tap Global Expertise
One indicator of Mathieu's open player firm culture is the establishment of the VigiTrust GlobalAdvisory Board. The globalpeerboardexploresnewthreats,forwardthinking,and regulatoryshifts,placingVigiTrustaheadandattheforefront. Through accessing the board's collective insight, Mathieu
allowssolutionsonthefirmtoaccrueadvantagefromforward thinking and be attuned to the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.
CorporateSocialResponsibility:EthicsandInclusion
Mathieu'scommitmenttocorporatesocialresponsibilityand businessethicsisatypeofculturethatpermeatesatVigiTrust. In his opinion, companies are not only responsible for protecting their interests but also those of the privacy and security of their customers and stakeholders Integrity, transparency, and accountability cultures, which are pillars thatcutacrossthecompany'sdataprivacyculture,customer relations, and employee activism, are the ones he instils on VigiTrust.
Outsidetheworkplace,Mathieuislikewisepassionateabout mentoringyoungprofessionalsanddiversityandinclusionin the tech sector.Workplace diversity, to him, is the driver for innovation and enhanced decision-making and he is a practical champion of the same inside and outside his organization.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life: A Model of ModernLeadership
Mathieu's leadership equally carries over to his life outside workwherehemaintainsabalancebetweenworkandleisure. Bygoodtimemanagement,takingbreaks,andhavingspace forfamilyandplay,hefeelsnewandfresh.Theequilibrium notonlyserveshimasanindividualbutbyemulationwithhis teamaswell,wherewell-beingandresiliencearepartofthe culture,andthereexistsacultureofresilienceandwell-being.
Hedelegatessignificantresponsibilitiestohispeoplesothat he has time to plan and manage relations. This freedom provides initiative and innovation to the people, and the capabilityoftheorganizationtogrowanddevelopfurtheris enhanced.
“Continuous innovation and collaboration are essential to staying ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.”
RegularImprovement:LearningandKnowledgeSharing
Mathieuisafirmbelieverinthedriversofeducationandthe transferofknowledgeincreatinglong-termdevelopment.He keeps VigiTrust updated with industry trends and best practicesviacontinuedresearch,forums,andconferences.By fosteringwithinhisstaffacultureofcontinuouslearning,he equipsthemtocombatandrenderineffectivenewriskswith speedandagility.
Hiscommitmenttoongoinglearningdoesnotendwithinthe security practitioner community By providing thought leadershipandinsightsinpeerchannels,Mathieushedslight upon emerging threats and regulatory disruption for organizationsso theycandealwithsecurityandcompliance inaproactivemanner.
Thought Leadership: The Cyber Elephant in the Boardroom
In hisAmazon best-selling book,The Cyber Elephant in the Boardroom, Mathieu summarizes key barriers to effective cyber accountability, including inadequate senior executive engagementwithcybersecuritythreatawareness,inadequate spendingonsecuritycapability,andnorobustsecurityculture in businesses. Leadership, he asserts, must grasp cyber as a business necessity, bringing cyber capability to the boardroomandembeddingaccountabilityandsecurityacross thebusiness.
Mathieu's preference is for stable education, transparent policies, and transparent communication as the most important pillars of a successful security culture. He has shaped industry opinion and inspired companies to shift cybersecurityfromatechnicalproblemtoastrategicpriority
CompanyGrowthandStrategicPartnerships
At VigiTrust, Mathieu has overseen considerable growth in termsofmarketreachandproductcapability.Foraysintonew geographiesandmarketsreflectitsversatilityandefficacyof solutions. Mathieu has also been instrumental in forging strategic alliances with technology providers, consultancies, andindustryalliances,furtherexpandingVigiTrust'sproduct networkofofferingsandmarketplacevisibility
These alliances enable VigiTrust to deliver end-to-end solutionstoanytypeofcomplianceandsecuritychallenges, helping customers achieve solutions that they can rely on to handleincreasinglysophisticatedregulatoryenvironments.
“My leadership style is rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and empowering others to challenge conventional wisdom.”
FutureOutlook:UseofFutureTechnologies
In the immediate future, Mathieu plans to leverage the emergingtechnologiessuchasmachinelearning,blockchain, and analytical power to enhance better compliance management. He wishes VigiTrust not only to expand its globalfootprintbutalsoemergeasacompliancemanagement expert in mitigating the different regulatory landscapes of differentgeographies.
Through prudently investing in research and development andhavingatalentdevelopmentculturewithinthecompany, Mathieuisguaranteedtoremainattheforefront,asmuchas complianceinnovation.Hisapproachenablesthecompanyto be agile and responsive to its evolving customers' demands andtotheworld'scybersecuritycommunity.
ALastingLegacyinCybersecurity
Mathieu's leadership is the epitome of excellence in the demandingbusinessofcybersecurityandcompliance:vision, innovation,customerfocus,andmoralstrength.Hisjourney fromaneclecticeducationbackgroundtobeingaleaderofa globalcybersecuritybehemothisatestamenttothepowerof flexibility,continuedlearning,andunshakeablededicationto excellence.
Under Mathieu's stewardship, VigiTrust today is a global partner of choice to organizations, making regulatory compliance no longer mysterious and safeguarding their digital assets. Mathieu's is a passion story of vision-driven leadershipandrelentlesszealforsuccess—alegacyevoking confidence and trust among clients, colleagues, and the industryaliketoday
Asthevirtualworldmovesmoretowardsgreatercomplexity and interconnection, it will be individuals like Mathieu who will be at the forefront of creating a safer, more compliant businessspaceforcompaniesglobally.
Transforming Enterprise Risk Management Strategies
ERM is not mechanistic departmental compliance tick-boxesandriskregisterspecialistsanymoreinthe modernbusinesstempo.Companieshavetoconfront atransformedmatrixofthreats—cyberthreats,supplychain disruption, economic instability, climate change, regulatory turmoil, and reputational risk. These interrelated and crossdisciplinarychallengescannotbemetbythetraditionalERM strategies, which were traditionally siloed and reactive. In order to remain nimble and competitive, organizations must fundamentallytransformthewaytheyhandlerisk.Thisisnot a matter of tools—it's cultural transformation, incorporating ERM into planning, delivery of operations, and organizational culture. Properly executed, a contemporary EnterpriseRiskManagement(ERM)practicedoesmorethan protect organizational value it generates value by convertinguncertaintyintostrategicopportunity.
EmbeddingERMinStrategicDecision-Making
Most significantly, perhaps, is to integrate ERM firmly into the strategic decision-making process. Traditionally, risk management has been an afterthought, viewed all too frequently as a compliance exercise contributing nothing to the company's bigger goals. But in these high-performing companies, they're mainstreaming ERM into executive conversation, capital investment decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and innovation strategy By linking risk intelligenceandstrategy,companiesaregivenaunifiedview ofriskandopportunity.
When aligned, decision-makers can better control risk toleranceandconsideroptionsnotonlyintermsofprobable gain but in terms of resiliency and sustainability overall. Whetherexpandingintoanewmarketorestablishingavirtual company, applying ERM up front builds a stronger, more reactive model. Anticipatory risk planning also creates a cultureofanticipation.Organizationsdon'tjustreacttoissues once they've occurred; they perform scenario planning and stresstestingtodeterminehowvariousriskswillimpacttheir goals.
Leaping with Technology and Data-Driven Risk Management
Digitalization is transforming ERM at a rapid rate by empoweringorganizationswithadvancedtoolstoanticipate, quantify,andreacttorisksinrealtime.Artificialintelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, and big data analytics are proving to be the cornerstones of new risk management frameworks. They enable enterprise-wide transparency with data-driven, real-time information enabling early warning and mitigation of risks. Predictive analytics, for example, can be employed to detect fraud, detect cybersecurity risks, or detect likely supply chain failures prior to their occurrence. Automated monitoring systemsareabletotrackcomplianceindicatorsandoperation statistics such that immediate alert and more timely administration are possible. Furthermore, technology integration in ERM improves the efficiency of operations. It lessensthetimespentonmanualreportingandreviewofrisks at intervals by constant monitoring and faster decisionmaking.
Businesses that use digital acumen not only manage risk exposure to identified risks but also capture a competitive advantagebybeingabletospotemergingtrends,diguplatent risks,andrespondmorequicklythanthecompetition.Inthese instances, ERM can become a driver of performance—a driverofbusinesssuccess—ratherthanmerelyariskreducer Being able to make quicker, fact-based decisions when uncertainty strikes is increasingly the hallmark of strategic agilityandbusinessresiliency.
EnablingaRisk-ConsciousOrganizationalCulture
Technologyandstrategywillnotsuffice;realchangeinERM demands culture transformation.Arisk-conscious culture is anorganizationwhereeveryemployee,functionandposition notwithstanding, grasps his or her own contribution to risk management. Risk ownership will have to go beyond compliance personnel and corporate leadership to mid-level managers, frontline employees, and cross-functional teams. This is a level of involvement that starts with leadership. Boardsanddirectorsshouldleadbyexampleandsetthetone in demonstrating transparency, ethical conduct, and prudent risk-taking. Where leadership introduces a risk sensitivity dimensionandmakesitanintegralpartofaccepteddecisionmaking,therecanbenodoubtthatitconveysthemessagethat risk management is key to success. Firms can deepen riskawareculturethroughongoingtraining,communication,and therewardofprudentrisk-taking.
Convincingemployeestoissuealertsofupcomingdisasters, experience-based lessons learned, and cross-functional departmental exercises in concerted action heightens the collective risk posture of the firm. Furthermore, a cultural bedrock of responsibility and shared obligation dismantles silossoriskinformationcanflowfreelythroughoutthefirm.It facilitates faster, more coordinated responses and improves the firm's ability to keep pace with dynamic threats. As enterprise risk management grows more strategic, governancearrangementsalsoneedto.Boardsofdirectorsare most beneficial to their role as risk management watchdogs andcorporatestrategyaligners.
Conclusion
Astherisklandscapecontinuestoshift,it'snolongeramatter of refining Enterprise Risk Management practices—it's a matter of necessity. Firms that integrate ERM into their strategic planning, employ digital technology, and possess a commonriskownershipculturewillbemuchmorelikelyto succeed when uncertainty is the dominant paradigm. The future for ERM will be about agility, intelligence, and integration. Risk management is not about not being stupid aboutmistakesanymore—it'sbeingsmartaboutriskinaway thatdrivesinnovation,energizesstrategicgrowth,andbuilds resilience. By shifting the thinking about ERM, companies canriseabovecomplianceandbecomeresponsive,forwardlooking businesses that are poised to take advantage of new opportunitiesandthriveindisruption.
Business Continuity Strategies from Top Experts
Resilience is now necessary in the rapidly evolving corporate world of today Natural catastrophes, cyberattacks, supply chain interruptions, and pandemicsarejustafewofthemanydifficultiesthatbusinesses mustdealwith.Organizationsthatplanforwardratherthanjust respondingtodisastersaretheonesthatprosper.Forthisreason, a crucial component of business continuity planning is now studyingandimplementingtacticsfromleadingspecialists.
WhyContinuityCannotBeOverlooked?
Business continuity is more than surviving a disruption. It is about ensuring that an organization can continue providing essential services without significant interruption. For many businesses,evenashortperiodofdowntimecanleadtofinancial losses, reputational harm, and erosion of customer trust. Top experts stress that continuity planning should be aligned with the overall goals of the company and treated as a strategic priorityratherthananafterthought.
RiskAssessmentastheFirstStep
Every effective continuity plan begins with a clear understandingofrisks.Companiesneedtocarefullyanalyzethe threatsmostlikelytoimpactthem,whetherthatmeansacyber breach,supplychainbottleneck,orpoweroutage.Whatsetsthe strategies from top experts apart is their emphasis on prioritization. Not all risks are equal, and organizations must focus on protecting their most critical operations first A hospital, for instance, must secure its emergency care and patientdataaboveallelse,whilealogisticscompanymayneed tofocusonkeepingitstransportationnetworkrunning.
EmbeddingResilienceintoCulture
While plans and policies matter, experts are quick to point out thatthestrengthofcontinuityeffortsliesinpeople.Buildinga cultureofpreparednessensuresthatemployeesknowtheirroles
Strengthening Resilience
and can respond effectively under pressure. Some organizations run regular simulation exercises, while others focus on creating open communication channels across teams.Themosteffectivestrategiesfromtopexpertscombine training, leadership involvement, and accountability so that resilience becomes second nature within the company culture.
TechnologyasaSafeguard
Technologyhasbecomeoneofthemostpowerfulenablersof business continuity From cloud storage to cybersecurity defenses, organizations increasingly depend on digital tools to stay resilient. Experts recommend balancing prevention with rapid recovery For example, companies that maintain secure cloud backups can restore operations quickly after a cyber incident. Similarly, adopting multi-factor authentication and automated threat detection reduces vulnerabilities. These strategies from top experts highlight how technology is not just about efficiency but about safeguarding business continuity in an unpredictable digital world.
RethinkingSupplyChains
The pandemic made one lesson clear: businesses can no longerrelyonasinglesupplierorregionforcriticalmaterials. When one link breaks, the entire chain can falter Experts advocate for diversification building relationships with multiple suppliers, exploring local sourcing where possible, and adopting digital platforms that provide real-time visibility. By implementing these strategies from top experts,organizationscanreducetheriskofparalysiswhen globalorregionaldisruptionsstrike.
CommunicationastheAnchor
Intimesofcrisis,communicationoftenmakesthedifference between chaos and clarity. Experts stress that organizations must establish reliable channels for employees, customers, and stakeholders well before disruptions occur. Pre-drafted messages, transparent leadership updates, and consistent information sharing help maintain trust and minimize uncertainty Thesecommunication-drivenstrategiesfromtop experts ensure that businesses can guide people with confidenceeveninthemostturbulentmoments.
TestingandContinuousImprovement
Acontinuityplanisonlyasstrongasitslasttest.Fartoooften, companiesdraftelaboratedocumentsthatremainuntouched
until disaster strikes. Experts caution against this, urging organizations to run regular drills, review feedback from employees, and update plans to reflect changes in business operations or technology.The most effective strategies from topexpertsemphasizecontinuityasanevolvingprocess,nota staticplan,allowingbusinessestostayaheadofnewthreats.
TheHumanSideofResilience
Amid discussions about risk assessments, technology, and supplychains,itiseasytooverlookthehumandimension.Yet topexpertsremindusthatresilientemployeesbuildresilient organizations Supporting staff through flexible work arrangements, mental health initiatives, and empathetic leadershipisjustasimportantassecuringdataordiversifying suppliers. These human-centered strategies create workplaceswherepeoplefeelsupportedandarebetterableto performduringdisruptions.
Conclusion
Businesscontinuityisnotaone-timeprojectbutacontinuous commitment.Organizationsthatembracestrategiesfromtop experts position themselves to adapt quickly, protect their stakeholders, and even find opportunities in the face of adversity. Whether through risk assessment, cultural resilience,technologyadoption,supplychaindiversification, or human-centered approaches, the guidance of experts providesaclearroadmap.
Disruptions will always be a part of the business landscape, butdisasterdoesnothavetobe.Withforesight,preparation, and expert strategies, organizations can turn resilience into theirgreatestcompetitiveadvantage.
