HKSM

The individual assigned to a specific risk who tracks its status and chooses and carries out the most appropriate response strategy.

Key Points

• Accountable for a particular risk from identification through closure.
• Monitors triggers, early warning signs, and changes in probability or impact.
• Selects the response strategy (avoid, mitigate, transfer, accept, exploit, enhance, share) and ensures it is executed.
• Updates the risk register and communicates status; may delegate tasks but retains overall accountability.

Example

In a construction project, the risk of steel delivery delays is assigned to the procurement lead as the risk owner. She tracks supplier lead times and quality reports, decides to qualify a secondary supplier, and implements the mitigation plan to split orders if the primary vendor slips.

PMP Example Question

Who is primarily accountable for tracking a specific risk and for deciding on and implementing the appropriate response?

1. Project sponsor
2. Risk owner
3. Risk action owner
4. Project manager

Correct Answer: B — Risk owner

Explanation: The risk owner monitors the assigned risk and selects and implements the response strategy; action owners may execute tasks, but the risk owner retains accountability.