Publications
All publications

Special advisory: Threats to executive management

17.03.2025
The assassination of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, sent shockwaves through the corporate world.

While the attack itself was a rare and extreme case, it shines a light on the vulnerability of executives in low-risk environments, amid an increasingly polarised society.

The rise of anti-establishment sentiment, growing public discontent with corporate practices, and an increasingly volatile media environment mean that protecting leadership is more complex than ever before.

Beyond facing heightened scrutiny, the ability of threat actors to act on grievances, whether real or perceived, is increasing with online activism and access to weapons. 

In this report, we break down the key lessons learned from Thompson’s assassination, the broader implications for business security, and the evolving risks executives face. We explore how businesses in every sector can prepare for this new reality, ensuring that they not only protect their leadership but also safeguard their reputation, employee wellbeing, and long-term viability.

What's inside?

  • Key lessons from the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the broader implications for corporate security.
  • How public sentiment and political polarisation are shaping new security risks for executive leadership across North America.
  • The impact of executive attacks on company reputation, employee wellbeing, and retention.
  • Practical strategies to enhance executive protection and safeguard against emerging threats.

Access your copy

A new version of this website is available.