Today, the safety of high-profile individuals, whether business leaders, celebrities, or wealthy private citizens, demands more than just a bodyguard. Executive protection (EP) has evolved into a specialized field, blending advanced risk management, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning to shield clients from a wide array of threats. But not all executive protection is created equal. The approach, scope, and objectives can differ significantly when comparing private executive protection to corporate executive protection. Here’s what sets them apart.
At its core, executive protection is about safeguarding individuals who face elevated risks due to their status, role, or wealth. This can include everything from physical security and surveillance to cyber protection and crisis management. The services are highly tailored, often extending to family members and covering both professional and personal environments.
Regardless of specialized focus, there is no mistaking that the need for executive protection has surged in recent years as high-profile individuals and business leaders face an uptick in targeted threats, including stalking, kidnapping, and even fatal attacks. For example, in 2024, there were 462 publicly reported incidents threatening high-profile individuals due to their status, averaging 39 incidents per month. Celebrities accounted for 32% of these threats, while federal government officials made up 30%.
The digital age has also amplified vulnerabilities. According to JPT Security, 6 in 10 executives and CEOs have their personal identifying information (PII) available for sale on dark web marketplaces, making them attractive targets for both physical and cyber threats.
The corporate response to these threats and legal pressures is evident in rising security spending. In 2024, 31.3% of S&P 500 companies provided some form of security perk to at least one named executive officer, up from 24.5% in 2023 — a 47.6% increase since 2021. Moreover, following high-profile attacks, requests for executive protection assessments and services have increased 10 to 15 times in some sectors.
While corporate and private executive protection have commonalities in possible risk outcomes, it is their differences that call for specified approaches and nuanced layers of protection that directly respond to the types of threats directed to a corporation and its leaders, versus a private individual.
Private executive protection centers on the individual and their family, often extending into every aspect of their private life. The focus is on:
Private executive protection is often sought by high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, or those facing unique personal threats. The goal is comprehensive safety without drawing attention or disrupting the client’s lifestyle.
Corporate executive protection is a strategic business function, driven by the organization’s duty-of-care obligations and the need to ensure business continuity. Key features include:
Corporate executive protection is typically reserved for C-suite executives, board members, and other key personnel whose safety is essential to the company’s success and stability, and it is becoming more and more steeped in legislation and compliance.
While there is no single federal law in the U.S. mandating executive protection for corporate leaders, a web of regulations and legal precedents creates strong incentives for companies to implement robust EP programs:
The choice between private and corporate executive protection depends on the client’s profile, the nature of the threats faced, and the context in which protection is required. For high-net-worth individuals or families, privacy and flexibility are paramount. For corporations, the focus is on risk management, compliance, and ensuring uninterrupted leadership.
Both forms of executive protection share a proactive, intelligence-led approach, but their priorities and execution can differ greatly.