In an online conference, James Lam, founder and Vice Chairman of eRisks, demonstrated to the 175 risk professionals assembled that CRO annual salaries - which have this decade exploded into the millions - are evidence of the corporate world's sudden acceptance of high-level risk management practices. The audience assembled agreed that the rise of the CRO is also indicative of increasing support for enterprise risk management (ERM).

In addition to featuring Mr. Lam's comments, the event allotted space on users' screens for an ongoing chat room, which was overwhelmingly active. Technical and conversational, participants broached topics ranging from the importance of instinct in successful risk management and credentials shared by aspiring and established CROs.

An interactive portion of the presentation was also highly successful, gauging audience opinion by allowing them to weigh in on a variety of relevant topics, including the prevalence of CROs and ERM in corporate settings. The results showed that while only 8% of respondents' firms currently have ERM in place, 36% are in the process of establishing a program or plan to do so. Of the participants, 23% indicated that their companies currently have a CRO, while 25% said they plan to create the position over the next two years.

"The insights gained yesterday point to very exciting momentum in the risk management industry," said Mr. Lam. "The interaction among the participants was indicative of the community atmosphere that eRisks is fostering among risk managers at all levels. Everyone from CROs to entry-level risk managers was able to maintain a free-flowing dialogue, gaining insight and information - as well as industry contacts -- in one convenient forum."

During the conference, which was co-hosted by recruiting firm DDJ Myers, Mr. Lam took time to share personal anecdotes and industry case studies to demonstrate the effective nature of the CRO and ERM. He noted that catastrophes weathered in the last decade - as detailed on ERisk's website - have heightened corporate awareness of risk procedures. Experience has shown that risk, when viewed on an enterprise wise basis, can be readily converted to opportunity, according to Mr. Lam.

Contact: Tony Marcos, 212-819-0170 or Jeremy Milner, Arnold Public Relations 617-587-8921

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