Sponsors play a critical role for change success.

According to ACMP, sponsors areaccountable for benefits realization. They provide authority, resources, and alignment to ensure the change achieves its intended outcomes. While sponsors often influence (D) and are usually senior executives (B), their defining characteristic isaccountability for adoption and benefits. Direct contribution (C) may occur, but the unique responsibility is realizing the value of the change.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy; Role of Sponsors: Accountable for benefits realization and adoption.)