How a CEO’s Murder Changes Executive Protection, Plus Burnout Risks in Professional Security

When the UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed in New York City in early December 2024, executive protection and corporate security professionals worldwide had to grapple with increased fear, criticism, and demands. Chuck Tobin and Caleb Gilbert from the International Protective Security Board join the SM Highlights podcast to discuss close protection and pre-attack indicators. But growing pressure on private security can have personal ramifications—Eric Davoine outlines how burnout is a serious challenge for security professionals and what ethical leaders can do about it. Additional Resources Read more about the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing from Security Management in a number of articles, including: • Security Professionals Grapple with Criticism, Board Mandates, and Public Anger in the Wake of Targeted CEO Attack: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2024/december/aftermath-ceo-attack/ • UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot and Killed in Manhattan: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2024/december/unitedhealthcare-executive-protection/ • Copycat, Contagion, and the Robin Hood Effect as Risk Enhancers in Targeted Violence: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/12/robin-hood-effect/ Want to learn more about executive protection? Here are the recommended resources from Chuck Tobin and Caleb Gilbert: • ASIS International Executive Protection Community: https://community.asisonline.org/subjectareahome?CommunityKey=067c2745-7d91-4044-b7f4-11edd0e782b1 • International Protective Security Board (IPSB): https://ipsboard.org/ • ASIS International Standards and Guidelines: https://www.asisonline.org/publications--resources/standards--guidelines/ Learn more about mental health and burnout in security in the latest coverage from Security Management here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/01/burnout/ Read more about burnout from Eric Davoine and Gigi Agassini, CPP, here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/01/burnout/tackling-burnout/ How does burnout differ from operational stress? Learn more here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2019/07/under-pressure-managing-team-wellness/ Having trouble keeping your high-performing team engaged but not burned out? Read insights and guidance here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2022/09/how-to-keep-high-performance-security-teams-motivated/ Explore how best to manage across private security and former public sector professionals here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/career-transition/