The tragic killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO has brought executive protection (EP) into sharp focus once again. As someone who has worked extensively with multinational organizations, boardrooms, diplomatic security services, and security vendors, I’ve seen firsthand the complexities of protecting high-profile individuals.
Unfortunately, many EP failures stem not from a lack of resources but from a lack of understanding, coordination, and organizational buy-in.
When it comes to executive security, the human factor is both the greatest risk and the greatest opportunity. Let’s examine why these failures persist and how organizations can address them effectively.
Lack of Clarity in the Mission of Executive Protection
Many organizations fail to clearly define EP's purpose beyond vague notions of “protection.” Is the goal to safeguard reputation, ensure business continuity, or mitigate specific threats? Without clear objectives, EP teams are left to guess, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.
The Fix: Start with a clearly defined mission. Outline the purpose of EP services in alignment with organizational goals and ensure this mission is communicated and understood at every level of the
organization.
Internal Politics Between Departments
EP strategies are often undermined by internal politics. Conflicts between departments such as security, operations, HR, and PR can prevent the creation and execution of cohesive protection plans.
The Fix: Break down silos by fostering collaboration. Security should not be viewed as a standalone function—it must integrate seamlessly with other departments. Regular communication, shared goals, and cross-departmental training can prevent conflicts from jeopardizing security initiatives.
Underutilization of Predictive Threat Intelligence
Modern threats require modern solutions. Many organizations still rely on reactive measures, leaving principals exposed to emerging risks that could have been anticipated.
The Fix: Invest in advanced technology and skilled personnel to collect, analyze, and act on real-time intelligence. Equip your EP team with the tools to anticipate threats and establish regular briefings to keep stakeholders informed of evolving risks.
Lack of Principal Engagement
One of the most overlooked aspects of EP is the principal’s role in their own safety. Principals often treat security as a “set it and forget it” service, unaware that their routines and decisions may create vulnerabilities.
The Fix: Train principals to actively participate in their security. This includes situational awareness training, adherence to travel security protocols, and managing their digital footprint. An informed and engaged principal significantly reduces preventable risks.
Overlooking the Human Element in Security
Human behavior is at the core of both security risks and solutions. Fear, complacency, and resistance to change often hinder effective EP strategies. Addressing these challenges requires more than technical fixes—it calls for a cultural shift within the organization.
The Fix: Build a human-centric security culture. Engage employees, executives, and principals in the development of security measures. Educate them on the importance of security and empower them to take ownership of their roles in risk management.
Misaligned EP Teams
Simply having a background in law enforcement, military, or close protection does not automatically qualify someone for a specific EP assignment. Today’s threats are more complex, requiring a new breed of agents who combine traditional skills with modern capabilities. Teams must be carefully selected to align with the principal’s unique needs, cultural context, and risk environment.
The Fix: Avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach. EP teams should possess a blend of hard and soft skills, cultural intelligence, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, modern EP agents must have a technical background to handle emerging threats, such as cybersecurity risks, and proficiency in multiple languages to navigate global assignments effectively. EP vendors must prioritize specialized team selection over convenience, ensuring each team is truly equipped for the task.
A Call to Action
Executive protection is not just about hiring the best security team or deploying the latest technology. It’s about creating an organizational commitment to safety and aligning every function—from leadership to front-line staff—around that commitment.
Recent tragedies remind us that security is a shared responsibility. By addressing fundamental issues like mission clarity, internal collaboration, intelligence utilization, principal engagement, and human behavior, organizations can prevent incidents, foster resilience, and build trust.
EP is not merely about protecting people; it’s about empowering them to live and lead without fear. By addressing the real issues, we can ensure no more lives are needlessly lost.
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