A chilling fatal shooting in Midtown Manhattan has sent shockwaves through corporate America, leaving business leaders on edge. The victim, UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive Brian Thompson, was gunned down on Wednesday.
The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of top executives and their families. Over the past five years, there has been a sharp rise in targeted attacks, both online and offline, against corporate leaders. Digital platforms have made it easier for individuals to gather information about executives’ identities and locations, fueling online vitriol.
Businesses are increasing spending on executive security, with the median amount spent by S&P 500 companies doubling from 2021 to 2023. Companies like Allied Universal are seeing a surge in demand for their services, including stationing guards outside offices and tracking executives’ families.
The shooting has prompted many CEOs to reevaluate their personal safety. Some, like Seth Besmertnik of a software company, have expressed fear after witnessing the attack on video. Others, such as Brad Karp of Paul Weiss, feel that the shooting is a wake-up call for corporate America to prioritize public safety.
Experts warn that violent rhetoric can lead to tragic results. Ranjay Gulati, a Harvard Business School professor, notes that frustration with the healthcare industry may have contributed to the attack. Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City, calls on business leaders to engage in a deeper conversation about the personal security of chief executives.
As corporate America scrambles to respond, many CEOs are bracing themselves for potential threats. The upcoming summit hosted by Yale’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute has already seen an influx of questions about safety measures. The event will feature city police and private guards to mitigate any risks.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/business/brian-thompson-insurance-executives-threats.html