The beginning of 2025 has seen significant shifts in the external environment that continue to reshape the role of the corporate affairs function and the executives who lead it.

Last fall, we conducted a study examining the shifting role of the communications executive. Our working question was simple: As companies pulled back from the societal issues postures that were en vogue in the early 2020s, would the elevated role of the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Chief Communications Officer also fade into the background? We found – emphatically – that this was not the case. While these leaders in many cases were less visible, they were doing more, with elevated postures in driving the modern CEO agenda.

Following the second inauguration of President Donald Trump and his first 100 days in office, our survey research painted a stark portrait of a divided America – a national mood defined by pessimism and hyper-partisanship. But it also found bright spots in the role of business society, with 66% of Americans saying they feel positively about their employers, and over three-quarters of Americans across political parties saying that business should play a leading role in stabilizing the economy and democracy.

We found ourselves asking: Where does this environment leave the corporate affairs leader?

Key findings:

• From Reactive to Proactive: Corporate affairs leaders are increasingly involved in shaping business decisions, not just communicating them.
• Political Navigation as a Core Function: In today’s polarized environment, these leaders are helping companies manage reputational risk and regulatory complexity with greater precision.
• Always-On Reputation Management: Crisis response is now a continuous function, requiring real-time intelligence and cross-functional coordination.
• Employee Communications with Care: Internal messaging is more strategic and cautious, balancing transparency with compliance and cultural sensitivity.
• AI as a Strategic Enabler: Communications teams are turning to AI to enhance scenario planning, media monitoring, and narrative intelligence. AI is helping automate routine tasks, enabling teams to focus on higher-value strategic work and respond faster to emerging risks.