Jessica Bayer
Managing Partner, Corporate Affairs and Communications; North American Operating Committee Member
In moments of political standstill and regulatory uncertainty, organizations need strategic guidance, not just reactive support. Today, the demand for top government affairs and communications talent is surging, echoing the intense competition for supply chain leaders during the early stages of the pandemic. Here, we explore why government affairs and communication leaders belong at the executive table, not only during crises but also as long-term drivers of resilience, innovation, and growth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain became a top priority for CEOs. What was once a back-office function moved into boardroom discussions, as shortages and shipping delays threatened business continuity. Today, as legislative and regulatory landscapes shift rapidly, government affairs is assuming a similar role as a strategic function that can guide corporate strategy, mitigate risk, and open new paths for growth.
Supply chain disruptions exposed vulnerabilities across global operations. Today, shifting regulations and geopolitical volatility demand a similarly proactive approach to government affairs and communications. Navigating these dynamics requires a well-resourced, cross-functional team – often led by a Chief Government Affairs Officer. Companies that position this function as a strategic partner – rather than a reactive necessity – are better prepared to anticipate change and shape outcomes.
The Post-Election Pivot
The 2024 U.S. presidential election brought global focus back to Washington, D.C. Findem research shows that 14% of all Chief Government Affairs Officers at Fortune 500 companies were appointed after the November 2024 election. The data also reveals that the average tenure for this role is 4.2 years, closely tracking with the U.S. presidential term.
The regulatory environment that emerged after the first Trump administration continues to shape corporate strategy. Deregulation in energy, tariffs in manufacturing, and heightened scrutiny in technology and healthcare set the stage for a complex, and at times confrontational, relationship between business and government. This environment has reinforced the need for senior leaders to treat government affairs as an integral part of enterprise planning.
Growing Demands on Government Affairs Teams
FiscalNote’s 2025 State of Government Affairs Report highlights an intensified workload in the last year:
- 57% of government affairs professionals report a significant rise in the number of issues under their remit.
- 82% say their overall workload has increased.
- More than half believe federal policy will guide company direction for the next five years – an increase from 41% a year ago.
Importantly, 64% of respondents work at corporations, indicating that this is a corporate governance and strategy challenge – not simply a policy office trend.
Insights from DHR Talent Advisers: Government Affairs Talent in High-Demand
Partner Alin Popescu, who works across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, sees tax leaders – often tied closely to government affairs – receiving multiple offers and changing roles at a rapid pace.
In Silicon Valley, Kathryn Ullrich, Managing Partner, notes that government-facing roles are expanding well beyond traditional lobbying to encompass policy strategy, research and development implications, and innovation alignment.
Andrea Bricca, Managing Partner, Legal and Las Vegas, is also seeing a rise in trade compliance hiring, particularly among multinationals headquartered outside the U.S. Demand is high for legal talent that has expertise in export controls, sanctions, and international trade. These professionals are working closely with government affairs leaders as trade regulations continue to evolve.
Steven Baumruk, Managing Partner, observes that private equity sponsors, particularly in the mid- to large-cap space, are now assessing the strength of government affairs capabilities during due diligence. In today’s environment of activist regulators, policy-driven market shifts, and geopolitical volatility, government affairs is becoming a key driver of value creation and risk management.
David Nagy, Managing Partner, serves clients in greater China and across the Asia-Pacific region. He observes that the “By China, For China” policy environment has reignited business development efforts in the region. Tariffs and trade tensions are bringing business development and government relations into closer alignment.
Elevating the Chief Government Affairs Officer
As regulations become increasingly complex and global markets become more interconnected than ever, the Chief Government Affairs Officer is emerging as a pivotal member of the executive team. This leader must navigate internal priorities while engaging external policy landscapes with equal skill. The position now goes beyond compliance oversight to encompass strategic foresight, organizational influence, and enterprise-wide integration.
Does your Head of Government Affairs have a seat at the executive table? If not, your organization may be overlooking a critical driver of long-term success. Government affairs leaders are shaping legislation rather than merely responding to it. They’re trusted advisers who anticipate regulatory developments, align business strategy with policy priorities, and ensure that the organization’s perspective is represented in critical conversations.
Internally, these leaders bring clarity to their organizations by educating employees, executives, and boards on the implications of emerging policies, strengthening resilience and enabling informed decision-making. Externally, they collaborate with lawmakers, regulators, and industry coalitions to advance positions that support innovation, growth, and ethical standards. Their work informs product development decisions, market-entry strategies, and risk mitigation.
Equally vital is their role in intelligence gathering. Effective government affairs teams draw from legislative trackers, policy networks, and real-time data platforms to anticipate change. This breadth of insight allows for nuanced messaging and strategic foresight that align enterprise priorities with a shifting regulatory environment.
In short, government affairs is no longer a back-office function. It’s a forward-looking, cross-functional discipline that links policy with performance and positions organizations to lead in a volatile global market. Companies that elevate this role are better positioned to lead in an increasingly complex world.
Government Affairs as a Driver of Resilience
Apple’s navigation of U.S.-China tariffs provides a clear example of how government affairs contributes to corporate resilience. When tariffs threatened to raise iPhone prices and add billions in costs, Apple’s leaders engaged U.S. officials to secure exemptions while simultaneously diversifying production in India and Vietnam. The combined policy engagement and operational shift illustrate how government affairs strengthens external positioning and internal strategy.
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
Government affairs is a forward-looking discipline that integrates policy considerations with enterprise strategy. Organizations that invest in this capability will position themselves to guide market developments, shape policy outcomes, and lead with confidence in volatile environments. The companies that are winning are listening, hiring, and embedding government affairs into decision-making at the highest levels. It isn’t a cost center anymore. It’s your next competitive advantage.
Now is the Time to Act
Government affairs and communications professionals are in high demand, and the competition for top talent is rising. Organizations that wait risk falling behind. At DHR, we help companies identify and secure the strategic leaders they need—not just to weather today’s crises, but to thrive in tomorrow’s landscape.
To learn more about the impact of the government affairs role or discuss the type of leader who can guide your organization forward, contact Jessica Bayer or Lisa Walker.
Meet the Authors
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