Decision-makers are becoming symbolic targets. Whether due to political views, social stances, financial decisions, or media visibility, executives attract attention for better or worse. As a result, their vulnerability increases both in public and private settings.
The tragic 2024 killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, underscores a chilling reality: the threats corporate leaders face are not hypothetical. They are real, personal, and, in some cases, fatal. When visibility increases, so does exposure, and without proactive executive protection, even routine moments can become dangerous.
This incident isn’t isolated. It’s part of a growing trend that includes:
- A CEO targeted after layoffs was stalked outside their child’s school.
- A C-suite executive attending a controversial shareholder meeting faced physical threats from protestors.
- A prominent tech leader had their travel itinerary leaked online, resulting in unauthorized access at a hotel.
These scenarios highlight why corporate executive security is no longer optional. It’s a deliberate strategy to reduce exposure, manage reputational risk, and ensure personal safety in a landscape where the stakes have never been higher.