Threat of violence to company executives grows, report warns

Concern about the safety of business leaders has risen sharply, as nearly half (42%) of security chiefs from large, global companies say the threat of violence toward company executives has increased in the last two years.

This escalating risk is underscored by global institutional investors, with 97% deeming it important for companies to invest in security for their executives and seven in 10 saying that the contributions of senior executives represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in.

These are key findings from the World Security Report, commissioned by Allied Universal and G4S.

World Security Report findings

The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) or those in equivalent roles, working for medium and large, global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25t.

The study also incorporates perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1t in assets.

Misinformation and disinformation is pervasive and can put senior executives at greater risk of harm. Three quarters of CSOs (75%) say their companies were targeted by such a campaign last year.

42% say mis/disinformation motivates at least half of threat actors targeting their businesses.

Activist groups, who often deploy this, increasingly pose a physical security risk to facilities and executives, according to 85% of investors.

“Personal safety is on my mind”

“In a world of increasing polarisation, and when mistruths and untruths can be shared instantaneously, companies and their senior leaders face heightened risks,” said Steve Jones, Global Chairman and CEO, Allied Universal.

“As a CEO, this impacts me personally and professionally. Now more than ever, personal safety is on my mind and the minds of my loved ones.

“Professionally, I’ve seen an increase in our customers’ concern for the safety of their employees.”

To read the full report and explore the findings, click here.