Top managers in the crosshairs – companies strengthen protection programmes

The threat situation for executives has worsened dramatically in the last two years. Terrorism, targeted attacks, reputational risks and digital threats are forcing companies around the world to professionalize their executive protection strategies. However, many organizations are still inadequately prepared and it is not uncommon for the bosses themselves to stand in the way of security.

A shocking incident in December 2024 highlighted the vulnerability of top managers: the CEO of United Health was shot dead in the street. According to the latest “Threats to Executives” study by Everbridge in collaboration with ASIS, 42% of security managers surveyed have significantly increased their focus on protecting executives since then. The main drivers are increasing public threats (72 percent) and acts of violence that attract media attention (69 percent).

Professionalization with gaps

30 percent of companies have a formalized executive protection policy with their own resources, 41 percent integrate protection into general security structures. Larger organizations with more than 100,000 employees are significantly better positioned than smaller ones.

Nevertheless, many programs lack central components: Only around half have sophisticated digital threat analyses, behavioral profiling or automated situation reports. Reputation monitoring is also only established in a third of cases.

Travel remains a weak point

Executives are among the frequent flyers and are particularly exposed when traveling. A quarter of the organizations surveyed rarely or never involve security departments in travel planning. Even more serious: 18 percent rarely or never carry out risk assessments. Only 45 percent regularly provide personal protection when traveling.

Safety briefings are also not a matter of course: a quarter do without them altogether, and families or support staff are often left out.

If the bosses don’t go along

A key obstacle to effective protection programs is the managers themselves. 47 percent of those responsible for security report a lack of compliance, 58 percent report budget reservations. Many executives underestimate risks or perceive protective measures as a restriction. Experts advise dovetailing security strategies with business interests and clearly communicating the added value, for example for reputation protection or business continuity.

Safety culture required at board level

Executive protection is no longer a luxury item, but a strategic factor for corporate security. However, the study shows clear differences in maturity between organizations. While large corporations are expanding their protection programs, there are dangerous gaps in medium-sized and smaller companies, especially when it comes to digital risks and travel protection. Without the active support of top management, however, many measures remain piecemeal.

Binci Heeb

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