Principal, Geopolitical and Country Risk (m/w/d)

As Principal you will lead and grow Control Risks’ Europe & CIS Geopolitical & Country Risk (GCR) practice, providing strategic direction, client leadership, and operational excellence as part of a global team of over 100 analysts and consultants. The role combines practice leadership with hands-on delivery of complex advisory engagements for senior decision-makers at multinational companies and other major clients. Ideally you will be based in Berlin but we will also consider applicants based in London. Key responsibilities include: Leadership of the GCR Europe & CIS Practice Lead the strategy, growth, and performance of the Europe & CIS GCR practice, ensuring revenue, profitability, and delivery targets are achieved. Oversee complex, high-value consulting engagements, including cross-service line and multi-regional projects involving senior client stakeholders. Support analytical leadership on political, regulatory, and security developments across the region. Drive innovation through the development and rollout of new products, services, and solutions. People Leadership Lead, develop, and mentor the Europe & CIS team through effective performance management, coaching, and role-modelling collaborative leadership and wellbeing. Business Development Meet personal and team sales origination targets through client engagement, thought leadership, conference participation, and development of integrated solutions. Build and maintain senior client relationships, strengthen market positioning, and identify new opportunities across existing and prospective clients. Business Management Manage the practice efficiently, maintaining financial discipline, target margins, and robust operational oversight. Brand & Market Presence Represent Control Risks externally through media, conferences, thought leadership, and social media engagement. Risk Management Protect the firm's reputation by ensuring appropriate risk assessment, governance, and escalation of potential issues.   Requirements Master’s degree or equivalent (in relevant subject matter). Minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience in winning and delivering political risk intelligence and advisory consulting on highly regulated, policy-sensitive sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, defence, telecoms, healthcare/life sciences, financial services and/or digital technologies. Access to a large network of reliable, credible sources in European policy communities, think tanks, ministries, security agencies and from the business community. Excellent communication, listening and negotiation skills in English and preferably at least one other European language, ideally German. Experience in public speaking, including larger audiences (100+) Advanced analytical and report writing skills in English (and preferably one other European language). Excellent knowledge and demonstrated experience in applying methodologies for political risk analysis (i.e. threat assessments,