Executive protection has evolved beyond luxury into strategic necessity as organizations navigate an increasingly unpredictable risk landscape.
The recent and tragic assassination of UnitedHealth Group’s CEO is a powerful reminder that executive exposure is real, evolving, and often underestimated. And yet, many executives continue to decline protection, even when credible threats or elevated public visibility are present.
At Sentinel Protection Solutions, we regularly help clients navigate this tension between perceived needs and actual risk. Whether driven by concerns over cost, image, privacy, or personal independence, the decision to decline protective services can have far-reaching implications—for the individual executive and the broader organization.
Understanding Why Executives Say No
Executive hesitancy often stems from perceptions rather than facts. In many cases, leaders decline protection because:
- It feels unnecessary or excessive
- They don’t want to appear self-important
- Privacy and autonomy are top priorities
- Costs seem hard to justify
These concerns are valid and deserve thoughtful responses. However, they must be balanced against the broader duty to protect people, brand reputation, and organizational continuity.
Declining Protection Has a Cost
Threat actors don’t wait for permission. The risks facing executives today extend well beyond physical environments, including:
- Online threats, doxing, and digital harassment
- Travel-related security vulnerabilities
- Backlash from public decisions or restructuring efforts
- Hostile terminations or workplace volatility
- Family exposure through social media or public records
When executive protection is declined, the risk doesn’t disappear—it simply transfers. Often, employees, bystanders, families, or the organization’s public trust carry the burden.
Reframing the Conversation
At Sentinel, we encourage our clients to view protection through a practical lens. It’s not about status—it’s about readiness and risk management.
We help executives understand that protection services are:
- Flexible, not intrusive
- Discreet, not performative
- Scalable, not all-or-nothing
Options may include:
- Travel-based protection for high-risk itineraries
- Threat-based tiers of service
- Digital monitoring and counter-surveillance
- Surge coverage for public events or sensitive periods
Addressing the Cost Conversation
Yes, protection requires an investment. But the cost of not acting can be far greater.A single incident—whether physical, reputational, or operational—can result in:
- Legal exposure
- Lost productivity
- Brand damage
- Erosion of stakeholder trust
Protection can be structured to meet operational and financial realities:
- Time-and-materials agreements
- Project-based support
- Retainers with surge coverage options
We also work with clients to ensure services meet IRS regulatory guidelines under Treasury Reg. §1.132-5, allowing for tax-compliant justifications where appropriate.
Gaining Leadership Buy-In
Despite its critical importance, gaining executive buy-in for comprehensive protection programs often proves challenging. For security leaders, family office advisors, or HR partners trying to gain executive buy-in, here are five best practices:
- Lead with data, not fear. Use intelligence, trends, and incident data to inform—not alarm.
- Customize the proposal. Align services to the executive’s real-world exposure and daily patterns.
- Engage privately. Executives are more open to protection when the conversation is personal and judgment-free.
- Use independent validation. Third-party assessments help depersonalize recommendations and provide objectivity.
Frame protection as empowering. The right approach provides freedom—not restriction.
Protection Is Not About Fear—It’s About Freedom
When protection is done right, executives can focus on what matters most—leading teams, making decisions, and protecting the mission. At Sentinel Protection Solutions, we craft discreet, customized security strategies that align with your executive’s risk profile, travel patterns, and organizational priorities.
If you’re grappling with how to approach protection for a hesitant leader, we’re here to help—with empathy, clarity, and experience.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Let’s discuss how Sentinel can support your executive team with scalable, discreet protection programs that reflect today’s dynamic risk landscape. Contact us today for a free consultation.
