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In the aftermath of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s tragic killing, many companies are taking swift actions to bolster security for their top executives. The health insurance industry, in particular, has stepped up measures to ensure the safety of their leadership teams.
Medica, a health insurer based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, temporarily closed its headquarters as a precautionary measure following Thompson’s death. A spokesperson for the company explained that the closure was a response to the shooting, emphasizing an abundance of caution.
In the wake of the incident, several major companies, including CVS, have also made the decision to remove photographs of their CEOs and other top executives from their websites. The killing, which occurred early Wednesday morning outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, has prompted widespread concern across corporate America, with many now re-evaluating their security protocols for executives.
While it’s not unusual for high-ranking executives to have personal security, the recent event has led to an urgent reassessment of safety measures. Glen Kucera, head of Allied Universal’s enhanced protection services, noted a sharp increase in companies seeking advice on executive security, saying that the recent events have been a “wake-up call” for many.
A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the shooter, with law enforcement sources revealing that disturbing messages were found on a live round and shell casing at the crime scene. Social media backlash regarding medical claims denials also played a role in fueling outrage over Thompson’s death.
In response to the killing, companies have ramped up security in a variety of ways. Some are providing armed security for executives during travel and daily commutes, while others are focusing on intensifying their monitoring of social media platforms for potential threats. Many of these measures are seen as temporary, but experts believe that this tragedy will have long-term effects. Glen Kucera predicts that it will lead to more frequent risk assessments for high-risk executives, driven by both investors and boards of directors.
Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, a firm that provides executive protection, reported that his company received a surge of requests for additional security, with 47 companies reaching out in the hours following the shooting. This, he said, marks a shift in how companies view the safety of their leaders. Armed security for executives, once common only for overseas travel, is becoming more widespread within the U.S., with 24/7 protection at executives' homes also increasing.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has also laid out new security plans for its employees. In an email sent to employees, CEO Andrew Witty reassured staff that the company was focused on their safety and wellbeing. The company has increased security at its campuses, including those in Minnesota, Washington D.C., and New York City. Visitors have also been temporarily restricted from entering administrative campuses.
In addition to heightened physical security, several health insurance companies have taken additional steps to protect their executives’ privacy by removing their names and photos from public-facing websites. UnitedHealthcare, for example, has removed its executive page, and Elevance Health, the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross, has done the same. CVS, which owns Aetna, also removed photos of its executives but kept their bios online.
While these measures reflect companies' efforts to minimize public exposure of their top leaders, many executives still have a strong digital presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where their names and photos are often available. Given the nature of public engagements and media appearances, it remains challenging for executives to completely erase their digital footprint.
As the investigation into Brian Thompson’s killing continues, it’s clear that the tragic event has prompted an industry-wide rethinking of how corporations safeguard their top leaders.
Bro woke up, put on a black hoodie, went to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte, shot & killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare with a silencer & then rode off to Central Park on a Citibike all in a day’s work. Average Wednesday morning behavior in NYC https://t.co/5fnkI2uaUS
— Emily (@emilybernay) December 5, 2024
