COLUMBUS, Ohio — The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City has sent ripples through the personal security industry, with one Ohio-based firm reporting an uptick in business.
Steve Rosta, co-owner of Direct Approach Security Services and former SWAT commander for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, says the incident has been a wake-up call for high-profile executives.
"We are getting more calls, we are getting more referrals," Rosta said.
The brazen daylight attack on Thompson, who was shot while walking to a meeting, has highlighted the potential risks faced by corporate leaders. Rosta emphasized the importance of preparedness.
"I'm surprised but at the same time having nothing happen makes people lax. Nothing probably happened up to that time that gave him any inclination that he was going to be targeted," he said.
He added, "I think in this day and age you need to be prepared. It's not about being paranoid, it's about having a plan."
Corporate security practices
When contacted about their executive protection measures, Kroger was the only company to respond, saying, "Unfortunately, we do not comment publicly on this topic."
However, public records reveal some insights into executive security spending:
Cardinal Health's CEO received $7,221 for home security in 2023.
A 2008 report indicated that Les Wexner, former CEO of L Brands, received $1.25 million in security services.
Rosta suggests that even CEOs of less visible companies should consider security assessments, given their potential impact on numerous individuals.
Cost considerations
Despite the apparent need, Rosta acknowledged that cost remains a significant barrier for many companies considering executive protection.
"The cost, I think the cost is prohibitive in their minds. You have to understand if you are in private security and our officers are all armed, they are armed for a reason. If you have a higher caliber officer on your team, they are going to require more money," he says.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between executive safety and financial considerations in an increasingly unpredictable world.