Who is the most important stakeholder in developing a business continuity plan?

The most important stakeholder in developing a business continuity plan is the process owners. This is because process owners have a deep understanding of the specific business functions and processes they manage. They possess critical insights into how operations are conducted, what resources are required, and the potential impacts of disruptions. As a result, they are essential in identifying key activities that must be maintained during a disruption and in developing recovery strategies that are realistic and aligned with the business's operational priorities.

Involving process owners ensures that the continuity plan is practical and actionable since they can identify risks specific to their areas and help prioritize which processes should be restored first in the event of an interruption. Their expertise facilitates a more effective risk assessment and contributes to a well-informed recovery strategy, making them integral to the development of a comprehensive business continuity plan.