The CEO of United Health Group's insurance division was shot to death on a Manhattan street Wednesday morning in what police believe was a targeted assassination, but the victim is sounding the alarm in boardrooms across the country. It rang – even if it hadn't already rang.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the chest and leg outside the Sixth Avenue Hilton Hotel before a scheduled appearance and UHC's annual investor conference, and died shortly after. According to police, the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle. Investigations are ongoing throughout the New York metropolitan area.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, but police said they believe Thompson was intentionally targeted. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who attended Wednesday's press conference, said the killing “does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Thompson's wife, Paulette, told NBC News that her husband had been the target of threats in the past.
“Basically I don't know, is there a lack of coverage? I don't know the details,” she said. “All I know is that he said there were people threatening him.”
The murder could further heighten concerns about the safety and security of top executives, which is already a hot topic in the country's hothouse political climate. Some boards and executives are already considering beefing up security for executives in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump and numerous death threats against Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
As Matthew Scott recently reported in our publication, Tesla shareholders were already questioning whether Musk and other senior executives at the automaker were receiving adequate protection.
Given the sheer number of workplace shootings in the United States, many CEOs are already sensitive to risk, and it's not uncommon for CEOs of Fortune 100 companies to travel with bodyguards. In 2022, the latest available data, there were 524 workplace homicides in the United States, an 8.9% increase from the previous year. Public jobs such as sales jobs and taxi drivers are the most targeted, with managers a distant third.
However, detailed statistics on violence, particularly targeting CEOs and senior executives, are difficult to obtain. Last year, our sister publication StrategicCFO360 reported that executives were being actively targeted in a widespread “swatting” campaign. Even though a 2021 survey by Austin, Texas-based executive protection firm Ontic found that 58% of employees said their CEOs had been threatened for not taking a stand on political issues, It was found that 58% of employees said their CEO had been physically threatened. political issues. About 56% also reported being physically threatened for encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations or the use of masks.
So how should CEOs estimate risk? In his article, Scott identifies three key questions worth considering when it comes to protecting CEOs, directors, and other key executives.
Do I need a personal security guard?
For a controversial and outspoken CEO like Musk, personal safety is a major concern. 24-hour security is at your discretion. However, CEOs may request personal security details when traveling abroad or making public appearances, depending on the nature of the work they are involved in and the meetings they attend.
What safety measures are in place for protests and demonstrations?
Companies may need to reassess their vulnerabilities to on-the-ground protests and whether those actions are from outside groups or employees. Protests in recent years have rarely turned violent, but are there plans in place in case violence breaks out over labor negotiations or a company's position on a highly controversial issue? of organizations can pose a significant safety and security issue.
Does the company comply with industry-mandated employee safety regulations?
A review of safety and security measures provides an opportunity to determine whether your safety procedures are working or if they need upgrading. Complying with legal occupational health and safety requirements increases employee productivity and avoids fines and employee lawsuits.
“For most companies, it is worth at least revisiting their security practices and the budget allocated to those efforts,” Scott wrote. “News reports say Tesla spent about $2.4 million on security services for Mr. Musk in 2023. Not all companies need to spend that level of money to protect their CEO, but directors Boards should consider whether it is time for CEO safety and security measures to be upgraded.”
