Chief Business Risk Officer

Job Summary

The Chief Business Risk Officer (CBRO) leads enterprise-wide risk management for first-line businesses, focusing on financial, operational, cyber, and regulatory risks. The role builds a strong first-line risk function, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters a risk-aware culture. In close collaboration with the Chief Risk Officer and executive leadership, the CBRO ensures all risks across core business lines are identified, measured, managed, monitored, and reported within tolerance. The CBRO develops cascaded risk appetites, quarterly risk profiles, and oversees governance and execution of innovative risk solutions. This role requires exceptional communication skills to deliver a compelling and inspired vision for executing the 1st Line Risk Framework and strengthening risk management practices and acumen across the organization. The CBRO promotes effective, cross-functional collaboration and productive relationships across business units, ensuring strategies, change initiatives, and risk insights are clearly and persuasively communicated through appropriate governance channels. The role also actively listens to, leverages, and champions diverse perspectives and contributions to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making. Deep financial industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and extensive experience in risk management are essential.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 1st Line Risk Framework Leadership - Leads the implementation, execution, and ongoing maturity of the 1st Line Risk Management Framework across Core Business Lines in alignment with the Enterprise Risk Policy. Provides oversight and ensures integration with 2nd Line Risk functions.
• Organizational Design and Talent Strategy - Develops a risk-focused organizational structure tailored to the bank's broader design. Attracts, retains, and develops skilled talent for key risk roles. Partners with HR to support workforce planning, succession strategies, and performance management.
• Governance and Compliance Oversight - Ensure Core Business Lines adhere to Enterprise Risk Programs, including governance activities, New Business Activities (NBA) submissions, Enterprise Issues Management (EIM), GRC documentation, and periodic risk and control evaluations.
• Committee Engagement and Risk Escalation - Serves as an active member of the Executive Risk Committee and other risk-related committees. Tracks and escalates material risks to the CRO, Executive Risk Committee, and Board Risk Committee. Establishes and leads Business Risk Committees for Core Business Lines to ensure appropriate governance and escalation of business-specific risks.
• Risk Appetite and Profile Management - Collaborates with Core Business Executive Leadership to define and monitor risk appetite and quarterly risk profiles. Establishes and reports Risk Appetite Metrics (RAMs) to ensure risks are measured and remain within tolerance levels.
• Strategic Risk Integration and Large Bank Advancement - Ensures 1st Line Risk Function is actively engaged in Large Bank Advancement efforts and merger integration activities. Oversees identification and documentation of risks and controls across Core Business Lines during strategic transitions.
• Risk Evaluation and Reporting - Leads the execution of periodic risk and control evaluations within the 1st Line, including self-assessments, control testing, and escalation of results in alignment with 2nd Line Risk requirements. Assesses outputs against industry standards and collaborates with Enterprise Risk and Technology to deliver clear, efficient, and automated reporting of key risk indicators, issues, metrics, complaint trends, and new business activities.
• Strategic Planning and Risk Function Development - Partners with the CRO and Executive Leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that mature the 1st Line Risk Function. Supports defragmentation of risk programs, identification of emerging risks, and enhancement of horizontal risk initiatives
• Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Functional Collaboration - Builds strong relationships across all levels of management and external partners. Facilitates teamwork and collaboration to support business planning, execution, and strategic alignment. Engages stakeholders in the development and evaluation of business initiatives.
• Leadership and Cultural Stewardship - Inspires commitment across the organization and lines of defense. Leads diverse, high-performing teams, promote continuous improvement, and ensures accountability. Communicates strategies and changes initiatives clearly and compellingly, while fostering a culture of proactive planning and inclusion.
• Executive Support and Strategic Coordination - May support planning and coordination of executive meetings, leadership sessions, and presentations on behalf of the CRO. Ensures timely execution and follow-through on critical deliverables with appropriate consultation and inclusion of risk and business leaders.
• Manages the annual performance management and merit processes for direct and indirect reports. Coaches and develops team members and builds a work environment where team members are engaged and feel a positive sense of achievement about their role in the Company. Works closely with Human Resources regarding employee relations, compensation, training, posting and filling vacant positions and other Human Resources related matters.
• Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area. This includes observing all policies, procedures, laws, regulations and risk limits specific to their role. Additionally, they should raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Synovus is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, finance or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree (MBA) preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Twelve (12)+ years related job experience in a financial institution management role in one or a combination of the following areas: Finance/ Accounting, Operations, Regulatory, Enterprise Risk or Audit management at organization of larger size, scope and complexity.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Highly skilled in engaging senior and executive management across all lines of defense to negotiate complex issues and influence organizational policy. Effectively presents technical information to build understanding, gain support, and foster collaboration.
• Team oriented with the ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of people across the footprint
• Broad knowledge of banking systems and processes. Working knowledge of banking and corporate regulations such as SOX, GLBA, HIPPA, FFIEC, etc. with solid understanding of applicable best practices; strong working knowledge of pertinent regulations and the regulatory community. Demonstrated aptitude with strategic thinking.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to allocate resources effectively, manage multiple cross-functional initiatives, and proactively identify and address risks and issues while balancing concurrent demands in dynamic environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of fostering collaboration, influencing across functions, and driving alignment through clear, strategic messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and mobilize resources beyond direct authority by fostering trust and driving consensus through persuasive and strategic communication