Risk management is a fundamental element of the Group’s business practice on all levels and is embedded into the business strategy, planning and controlling processes of the Group. Material risks are monitored and regularly discussed within the Risk and Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
The Risk and Compliance Committee headed by the CEO and the CFO, the Chief Compliance Officer, the Head of Internal Audit, and the Group General Counsel as members, monitors the risk profile of the Group and the development of essential internal controls to mitigate these risks.
A risk is defined as the possibility of an adverse event which has a negative impact on the achievement of the Group’s objectives.
The Group carries out an annual risk assessment and in conformity with the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance; the Group’s risk management system covers both financial and operational risks.
Risk management is incorporated within the ICS. Preventive, risk-mitigating measures to control risks are proactively taken at different levels and are an integral part of management responsibility.
An independent risk assessment procedure is implemented for operational risks review. The Regional Management is interviewed on a regular basis in order to assess the risks for each country in their respective region. In addition, each Management Board member assesses the overall strategic risk exposure of the Group. Within the framework of the Corporate Governance process, the updated risk assessment is presented to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Financial risks analysis and assessment are carried out by the finance and accounting department.
The following risk areas have been identified amongst others for which mitigating actions have been implemented:
A continuous dialogue between the Management Board, Risk and Compliance Committee and Audit Committee ensures the Group’s effective risk management. The risk management system is governed by the Risk Assessment Guideline defining risk groups and sub-groups, the structure and the process of risk assessments. The risk catalogue is reviewed regularly and critical analysis ensures a continuous development of the risk management system.
Based on the risk assessment, the most material risks remain the uncertainty of the global economic development, in particular in relation to the COVID-19 measures, the geopolitical instability, volatile currency fluctuations and the financial markets, thus all of those factors being in focus of the management.
Since the overall development of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unforeseeable, predictions remain difficult. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and containment measures taken by various governments are considered and assessments for the future are based on various scenarios. The Kuehne+Nagel Group has precautionary measures in place to provide safe working environments for its employees and maintain business continuity. Further details regarding the impact from COVID-19 pandemic are described in the consolidated financial statements on pages 54 to 55.
In 2021 the Group successfully managed and partially mitigated the above risks and demonstrated high levels of resilience resulting in strong financial performance.