Bill Udell Appointed as the New CEO of Control Risks: A New Era Begins
Control Risks, a leading global strategic intelligence and security firm, has made an important announcement regarding its leadership. Effective June 1, 2026, Bill Udell will take over as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Nick Allan, who has dedicated 25 years to the company, including over seven years in the CEO role. This transition comes at a crucial time as the firm looks to build on its solid foundation and tackle new challenges in the security landscape.
Throughout his tenure, Nick Allan has played a key role in steering Control Risks through significant growth phases, establishing the company's reputation as a trusted partner for businesses around the globe. His work has helped decisive advancements in the firm’s strategic direction, but both he and the board recognize that fresh leadership is required to propel the business into its next chapter.
Bill Udell, who currently serves as Managing Partner of Global Security and is a member of the Board and Executive Committee, is well-suited for this new position. His extensive experience in the industry has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Control Risks. As the former leader of the Americas division, Udell has been instrumental in integrating the company’s advisory and operational support capabilities, positioning it as a comprehensive provider of strategic intelligence in complex environments.
The selection of Udell as CEO has been met with optimism from the firm's Board. Dominic Casserley, Chair of Control Risks, highlighted Udell’s exceptional clarity of thought, profound insights into the firm's future direction, and proven track record in leading transformative initiatives. "Bill stood out through the selection process for his clarity of thinking, his deep understanding of where the firm needs to evolve, and his ability to combine strategic vision with disciplined execution," Casserley remarked.
Udell shared his excitement about his appointment, expressing his commitment to aligning the company’s strategies with the evolving needs of their clients. He remarked, "It is an honor to be selected as Chief Executive of this remarkable business. By focusing my efforts on the evolving needs of our clients, I am convinced Control Risks is well positioned to further strengthen its market position."
Control Risks has a long history of providing strategic intelligence and security services, serving major corporations including 80% of the Fortune 500 and 62% of the Fortune Global 500. With over 50 years of experience in 178 countries, the firm is committed to helping clients navigate uncertainties while safeguarding their assets and reputations. Through its holistic approach to risk management, Control Risks enables organizations to anticipate threats and capitalize on opportunities in a complex global landscape.
The appointment of Bill Udell marks a pivotal moment for Control Risks, signaling a new era of leadership that promises innovative strategies and responsive service to clients worldwide. As the company prepares for this significant transition, stakeholders and clients alike will be closely watching the forthcoming changes and developments under Udell's leadership. His ability to blend visionary thinking with practical implementation will be critical as Control Risks embarks on the next phase of its evolution in the strategic intelligence and security field.