Executive Summary 

The Modern Threat  Landscape Visibility is Exposure,  and Exposure  Equals Risk 

The tragic assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024 was  a sobering reminder — not just of the risks that accompany executive status, but of  the unpredictability and impact of ‘black swan’ events. The incident underscored a  critical truth—one that corporations are now reckoning with: executives don’t need  

to be famous to be targeted, and even low-profile, low-visibility leaders can face  serious risks in the absence of protective planning. 

This briefing outlines actionable security considerations and strategic guidance  for IR professionals tasked with supporting executive leadership in a dynamic and  increasingly complex and unpredictable threat environment.

• Executives today face physical, digital, reputational, and ideological threats. 

• Controversial decisions and high-level roles can make executives targets — even those who are not household names. 

• Social unrest, anti-corporate sentiment, and lone-actor violence continue to reshape the risk landscape. 

• Social media acts as an accelerant: it amplifies outrage, exposes personal information, and enables fixation by hostile actors. 

• Investor Relations teams often influence when, where, and how executives are presented to the public and the investment community. 

• Each investor day, earnings call, and speaking engagement introduces a measurable level of risk. 

• Early coordination with security and executive protection teams facilitates better risk management. 

Redefining Safety, Common Vulnerabilities  

How IR Leaders Can  Support Executive  Security 

“Safety is the condition of being protected from known risks to a degree that aligns  with your risk tolerance.” 

• Unidentified risks cannot be managed, and therefore compromise safety.  

• “Beware of roosters taking credit for the sunrise.” The absence of an incident does  not imply the presence of safety; it may just mean nothing has happened yet. 

• A sound security posture should reflect both the organization’s risk tolerance and  the executive’s specific risk profile. 

• Events involving multiple executives require consideration of each individual’s risk  level. The presence of a high-profile or high-risk individual can elevate the overall  threat to all attendees.  

• Residential security is frequently overlooked, despite its high exposure potential. 

• Digital footprints, including travel habits and family information, can be exploited  by threat actors to target executives and their families for harassment, or worse. 

• Many organizations lack formal workplace violence policies and internal threat  assessment programs—leaving insider threats unidentified and unmanaged, and  organizations exposed to liability.  

• Executives and internal stakeholders often misjudge risk, leading to  underinvestment in protective security measures. Had Brian Thompson requested  security, it likely would have been provided. 

• Engage security professionals early in event planning. 

• Ensure secure logistics for high-visibility attendees and/or high-visibility  appearances. 

• Use encrypted or controlled channels when sharing event details, itineraries,  attendee lists, or executive travel information.  

• Collaborate closely with internal corporate security, outside executive protection  partners, and local law enforcement.  

• IR leaders can play a key role in balancing visibility with safety, ensuring that  executive exposure is managed intentionally. 

The High Cost of  Inaction 

Addressing Executive  Resistance to  Security  

• In the aftermath of Brian Thompson’s death, UnitedHealth experienced a market  cap loss exceeding $100 billion. 

• United Healthcare was thrust into a national conversation — not only about  healthcare, but about corporate responsibility and executive vulnerability. 

• The perceived lack of security planning triggered criticism from shareholders and  scrutiny from media outlets. 

• Executive protection should not be viewed as discretionary—it is a necessary  investment in leadership continuity, corporate stability, and reputational integrity. 

• Some executives resist protection due to discomfort, inconvenience, or the belief  that it is unnecessary. 

• Emotional arguments promoting executive security are rarely effective. Instead,  rely on risk assessments, precedents, and the organization’s established risk  tolerance. 

Practical strategies include: 

o Assigning a consistent protection team to build familiarity and trust. o Offering low-visibility or covert security options. 

o Making executive protection a standard corporate policy rather than an  optional benefit. 

o Positioning security as a core element of business continuity—it protects  leadership, preserves shareholder value, and ensures uninterrupted  operations. 

Do not wait for a crisis. Build protection into your planning process now. 

At Omnium Protection Group, we specialize in helping organizations design executive protection strategies that align  with business goals, brand reputation, and shareholder expectations. 

Please feel free to reach out with questions or to schedule a private consultation.  

www.omniumpg.com 844.966.6486