How ESG, Supply Chains and Compliance Pressures Are Shaping Security Teams

The responsibilities of corporate security teams have expanded dramatically in recent years, and not just the response to traditional threats. Today's, security leaders are operating in an operating complex environment shaped by convergence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations, supply chain vulnerabilities, and tightening compliance demands.

These pressures aren't just influencing day-to-day operations, they're reshaping the structure, priorities and capabilities of security functions across industries. At enteles, we've seen this shift reflected in the evolving roles our clients are recruiting for, and the skills top candidates bring to the table.

1. ESG: From Corporate Value to Indispensable Asset

Once seen as a board-level issue with little connection to physical or operational security, ESG is now firmly on the radar of security teams. According to Wendel Correia, Associate Director, Global Brand Protection, Global Brand Protection LATAM, ESG is "indispensable to guarantee competitiveness and value to companies".

• Environmental risk: climate-related disruption and activism targeting unsustainable practices are forcing security teams to plan for new categories of threat.
• Social factors: workforce wellbeing, diversity and human rights are increasingly relevant in both internal risk mitigation and external brand protection.
• Governance: demand greater transparency, ethical conduct and proactive risk management - areas in which security functions now play a central role.

 2. Supply Chain Is Now a Frontline Issue

Recent years have made it abundantly clear that supply chain stability is not a given. From geopolitical tensions to espionage, security teams are being asked to help assess and mitigate complex, multi-tiered risks that live far beyond the company's walls.

This has expanded the need for:

• Stronger due diligence processes.
• Vendor threat assessment protocols.
• Collaboration with procurement, legal and compliance functions.

Security leaders with experience in global logistics, resilience planning and cross-borded regulatory frameworks are increasingly in demand.

3. Compliance: Risk, Regulation and Reputation

The regulatory landscape is tightening across data privacy, anti-bribery, export controls and more. Security teams are finding themselves at the intersection of risk management and legal accountability. 

This evolution is driving demand for security professionals who:

• Understand both physical and digital threats.
• Can navigate regulatory obligations across jurisdictions.
• Work effectively with compliance, audit and legal teams to protect the business from both reputational and financial fallout.

4. What This Means for Security Recruitment

With geography no longer a barrier, organisations began to tap into a broader pool of talent. For security functions, particularly regional or global roles, A consistent trend we've seen in more recent years is that the best candidates combine security exertise with strategic business acumen.

They can:

• Communicate risk in commercial terms.
• Understand how ESG and compliance shape operational priorities.
• Build cross-functional alliances across procurement, legal, HR and C-suite leadership.

As ESG standards rise, supply chains grow more complex and compliance demands intensify, the security function will continue to evolve. For organisations, this isn't a challenge, it's an opportunity to build teams that are more integrated, impactful and aligned with the future of the business.

If you're thinking about how your team needs to evolve, enteles is here to help. Get in touch with our specialist team at recruit@enteles-search.com for a confidential discussion today.

Sources

https://digital-forensics.enterprisesecuritymag.com/cxoinsight/the-relevance-of-corporate-security-in-the-esg-agenda-nid-3358-cid-59.html