Being a CEO can be demanding, stressful, relentless, and often requiring a thick skin to endure constant scrutiny. But beyond the boardroom and shareholder meetings lies an overlooked threat: physical safety. In today’s increasingly connected world, anonymity is becoming a luxury and rarity, and visibility often comes with risks. The recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what authorities have called a “premeditated, targeted attack” has thrust the issue of executive safety strongly into the spotlight. For CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other high-profile leaders, it’s a wake-up call to reassess personal and organizational security strategies.
The Increasing Need For Executive Security
Given their substantial budgets, executive security is traditionally associated with celebrities and Fortune 500 leaders. For instance, companies like Meta reportedly allocate over $20 million annually to secure Mark Zuckerberg and $6.8 million for Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Others, like Jeff Bezos, had bulletproof panels installed in his office during his tenure as CEO. While these measures may seem extreme to some, the need for security is no longer limited to the ultra-wealthy or high-profile leaders.
A 2021 survey by the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence comprised 300 U.S. senior executives, including chief security and technology officers. Of the respondents, 58% revealed that their CEO had received physical threats after taking a position on divisive social or political issues. In today’s polarized climate, CEOs (and entrepreneurs) of all visibility levels—particularly those taking public stances—must rethink how they protect themselves, their families, and their companies. Here are three key reasons why executive security should be integral to any leadership strategy:
1. Mental And Emotional Well-Being
At its core, security provides peace of mind. Whether through physical presence, digital protection, or comprehensive safety protocols, effective safety measures reduce stress and mitigate risks. CEOs often face threats from disgruntled employees, unstable individuals, or those vehemently opposed to their stances. Knowing that precautions are in place allows leaders to focus on their roles without the constant burden of looking over their shoulders. This mental clarity improves their executive performance and emotional resilience.
2. Protecting Families: A Hidden Priority
While CEOs willingly embrace public scrutiny as part of their role, their families often bear the consequences in silence. Spouses, children, and parents of high-profile leaders can feel vulnerable, knowing their connection to a visible figure could make them targets. Ensuring the safety and privacy of loved ones’ well-being further contributes to the CEO’s peace of mind and overall health. A secure family environment strengthens the leader’s ability to navigate high-pressure stakes and the various roles required for the position.
3. Safeguarding The Company
The repercussions of security breaches extend beyond the individual. Cyberattacks, stolen devices, and social media surveillance increasingly target executives as entry points into organizational systems. Social media has made it easier for malicious actors to track movements, incite harassment, and exploit any vulnerabilities present. As president of enhanced protection services at Allied Universal, Glen Kucera shared with Fortune, “Companies are beginning to realize they need to have some type of an assessment done on the type of business they’re doing, including social media monitoring. And not just open-source but deep-web social media monitoring. The stuff that people don’t see on X or Facebook.” In today’s interconnected environment, protecting the CEO protects the brand, employees, stakeholders, and their families.
The UnitedHealthcare incident underscores the growing importance of security for all leaders—not just high-profile ones. While not every organization requires a multi-million-dollar budget, a well-rounded executive security plan—addressing physical, digital, and emotional aspects—benefits CEOs, their organizations, and stakeholders alike. By investing in safety measures, CEOs can focus on what matters most: leading confidently and effectively.