March 17, 2025
Corporate executives, particularly those in Fortune 500 companies, face elevated risks due to their wealth, influence, and decision-making authority. In many cases, they serve as the public face of the organizations they lead, making them both key decision-makers and symbolic targets for adversaries pursuing financial, political, or ideological gains. In today’s volatile business environment, executives confront a range of security threats, including workplace violence, stalking, cyberattacks, kidnapping, or assassination attempts. The rise of social media and data breaches has further exposed them to new vulnerabilities, making proactive security strategies imperative. These measures not only protect executives but also enhance corporate resilience and reputation, positioning companies that prioritize security as industry leaders.
As threats evolve, the need for a well-structured Executive Protection (EP) program has never been more critical. A robust EP program not only ensures personal safety but also safeguards an organization’s assets, intellectual property, and workforce. At Tomahawk, we work with clients to overcome the challenges of setting up and building an EP program, recognizing that the protection of senior executives is vital to the organization’s long-term success and should be viewed as a strategic business investment.
Best practices for executive protection
Risk Assessment and Threat Intelligence
A thorough risk assessment identifies vulnerabilities in an executive’s home, workplace, travel venues, and public appearances. Security teams should conduct background checks, monitor online threats, and analyze risks posed by disgruntled employees, activists, or criminal organizations.
Protective Personnel
Hiring trained EP personnel is critical for ensuring an executive’s safety. These professionals excel in defensive tactics, surveillance detection, and tactical emergency casualty care (TECC). Their presence deters potential threats, provides rapid crisis response, and “frees up bandwidth” so that executives can focus on their core responsibilities.
Secure Transportation
EP driving is a specialized skill that focuses on the safe transportation of high-profile individuals. It involves defensive and evasive driving techniques, strategic route planning, situational awareness, and readiness for emergency response — measures designed to mitigate risks such as surveillance, attacks, accidents, and logistical disruptions.
Why it matters
A comprehensive EP program is essential for safeguarding executives, ensuring business continuity, and preserving corporate reputation. While budgetary constraints or executive personal preferences may sometimes influence security measures, organizations must assess their security frameworks, implement best practices, and invest in professionally trained personnel to manage risks effectively.
Furthermore, organizations may qualify certain executive protection expenditures for tax deductions under IRS Code 132. This tax code allows specific security-related expenses to be considered “working condition fringe benefits.” The process begins with an Independent Security Study that comprehensively evaluates the physical, digital, and cyber environments surrounding an executive. If the study concludes that an enhanced security program is necessary, the associated costs may qualify for tax deductions.
At Tomahawk, we believe executive protection is a critical business function that should be integrated into an organization’s culture. With potential tax benefits and the strategic importance of protecting leadership, companies must understand the risks and implement appropriate measures to secure their most valuable assets — their people.
Learn more about Tomahawk’s EP program.
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