International Snapshot: The Evolution of Corporate Affairs

U.S. 

The corporate affairs function in the United States has undergone significant evolution, influence by an increasingly interconnected and complex business environment. In the U.S., corporate affairs have become a core function within the C-Suite and boardrooms.

Corporate affairs leaders today go beyond overseeing communications, public policy, advocacy; they are increasingly recognized as vital strategic risk advisors and P&L leaders that drive revenue. Their scope of responsibilities now includes enterprise risk management, geopolitical analysis, market access, and, in some instances, oversight of global real estate. 

The elevated role of corporate affairs has redefined its position within the organizational hierarchy, making corporate affairs leaders indispensable strategic partners to CEOs. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the function’s centrality in navigating today’s complex and volatile business landscape.

Boards & CEOs now lean heavily on corporate affairs executives to provide informed and proactive counsel on geopolitical tensions, evolving regulatory challenges, environmental, investor, and reputational brand risks.  

Post-pandemic, the skill set required for corporate affairs leaders has evolved significantly, encompassing a broader range of responsibilities. Traditional career pathways in corporate affairs have become less linear, resulting in a limited pool of high-caliber candidates.  

The demand for leaders who can excel cross-functionally - collaborating seamlessly with legal, sustainability, marketing, operations, and commercial teams - while also leading large, high-performing teams, has highlighted a talent gap. Success in these areas at scale requires a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, people leadership competence and the ability to drive impact across diverse organizational functions. 

As the corporate affairs landscape continues to evolve, organizations are seeking visionary leaders who can navigate this multifaceted role with agility and foresight. The ability to bridge internal functions and external stakeholders while driving both strategy and execution has become the mark of exceptional corporate affairs executives. 

UK  

Reputation for British businesses is critical, especially in a country with a highly skeptical media and complex regulations. Corporate affairs is a crucial lever in a CEO’s ability to drive or protect profit.

B2B organizations have long integrated corporate brand and marketing within the corporate affairs function. This trend is now spreading to consumer-facing businesses. Social media is central to this shift, presenting the question of how best to use the channel to influence digital natives who trust digital platforms over traditional media.

The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), artificial intelligence and complex geo-politics have provided fertile ground for corporate affairs directors to contribute to a range of business issues. This requires both high intellectual abilities and also the emotional intelligence to inform and influence a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. 

The most sophisticated corporate affairs functions, in terms of size and scale, remain in listed regulated sectors, where corporate affairs is critical in protecting share price. 

EU

Following the 2024 European Parliament elections and the appointment of a new European Commission, EU corporate affairs professionals face several challenges. The political landscape has become more fragmented, with a rise in populist and nationalist parties.

This fragmentation complicates consensus-building on key issues like climate policy, migration and economic recovery. Additionally, the new Commission’s priorities, such as the Green Deal and digital transformation, require businesses to adapt quickly to new and increasingly complex regulations. 

Key skills required include strong political acumen to anticipate policy shifts, strategic communication to advocate for business interests, and stakeholder management to build alliances across diverse groups. Adaptability and resilience are crucial as professionals navigate an evolving regulatory environment and potential economic uncertainties. 

Moreover, international understanding and multiculturalism are increasingly important. Professionals must navigate diverse cultural contexts and build relationships with stakeholders from various backgrounds. This requires cultural sensitivity, language skills, and the ability to mediate and negotiate across different norms and expectations. Embracing diversity and building relationships can lead to more innovative solutions and a broader perspective on global challenges. 

Looking ahead, the next three to four years will be pivotal for the corporate affairs function. As CEOs become more involved in global politics, and as regulatory and investor dynamics continue to evolve, the role of corporate affairs will likely expand further. How the regulatory environment and investor community respond to shifting business conditions will profoundly impact the future trajectory of the corporate affairs function, making it an area to watch closely.

_________________________________________________________

Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more or contact our dedicated leadership experts from your local Odgers Berndtson office here.