What is the purpose of assigning a risk owner in project risk management?

• A. To assign blame when risks materialize.
• B. To document risks for records only.
• C. To assign accountability and responsibility for implementing mitigations.
• D. To avoid taking action.

Answer: (C)

Assigning a risk owner creates accountability for acting on a risk. The owner is the person responsible for developing and implementing the mitigation plan, choosing appropriate treatment options, coordinating any needed resources, monitoring indicators that signal a change, and reporting progress to the project team. This makes risk responses concrete and timely, with a clear point of contact for escalation if the risk status shifts. The purpose is to establish accountability and responsibility for implementing mitigations, not to blame when things go wrong, not merely to document risks for records, and not to avoid taking action.