Safety Concerns Grip Healthcare Industry After CEO’s Tragic Death
The healthcare industry is reeling in shock after the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The incident has sparked a wave of safety concerns, prompting major health companies to take drastic measures to protect their executives and employees.
Virtual Events and Enhanced Security
Centene, a leading Medicaid insurer, has cancelled its in-person investor day event in New York, opting for a virtual gathering instead. This move comes in the wake of Thompson’s fatal shooting, which occurred just hours before UnitedHealth Group’s investor day event.
Medica, another Minnesota-based health insurer, has temporarily closed its main campus due to safety concerns for its employees. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority, and we have increased security for all of our employees,” a Medica spokesperson stated.
Executive Protection in the Digital Age
Experts warn that publicly available information about executives and board members can make them targets for harassment and threats. Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak, notes that disclosures of events expected to be attended by executives of public companies, and photos of their leadership and board members on company websites, increase their vulnerability.
As a result, several major health companies, including UnitedHealth, Humana, and CVS Health, have removed photos of their top executives from their websites. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has also taken down a link to its executive biographies.
Re-Evaluating Security Protocols
Ben Joelson, a principal at the Chertoff Group, believes that companies are taking a prudent step by reducing their online risk surface. “What they’re trying to do is basically reduce the online risk surface and what’s out there in terms of available digital dust around their executives,” Joelson explained.
Joelson’s company is currently working with several Fortune 500 clients to re-evaluate their approach to investor meetings and shareholder events, ensuring that they have adequate protection for their key decision makers.
Executive Security: A Growing Concern
Doug Mandell, a partner at Withersworldwide, notes that most executives find personal security intrusive. However, he expects to see more clients asking their boards for extra protection in the wake of Thompson’s killing.
As the healthcare industry grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, one thing is clear: executive security is no longer just a concern for high-profile individuals, but a necessary precaution for all business leaders.
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