Obama Inauguration Puts Spotlight on Executive Protection

Between the pending presidential inauguration and roiling anti-corporate sentiment, executive protection is more critical than ever. Expert Robert Oatman explains the elements of a good program, the impact of technology, and more.

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By , Senior Editor

January 12, 2009 — CSO — Joan Goodchild, Senior Editor

CSO: What are the absolute basics of a good executive protection program?
Robert Oatman:I have been a strong advocate of concentrating on the fundamentals. It is the foundation of any serious executive protection program. It is all about the details. If you conduct your mission with purpose and a plan you will be successful.

My first challenge is based on the risk assessment. How can you protect any principal if you can't identify the risk? You then work from a starting point so that your protective effort is realistic and reliable.

We see serious issues when the proper planning has been left to chance. You need to gather the facts and build your program on sound principals so that you execute in a reasonable and correct manner. I like to use the analogy of constructing a building: Without a professional architect the structure automatically is in jeopardy. Without proper planning you are placing your principal in harm's way.

Proper training is necessary so the EP specialist knows how to blend into the C-suite environment. A close connection with the protectee and his or her inner circle: spouse, executive assistant, drivers, housekeepers, closest colleagues, and others who inhabit the protectee's daily orbit. This connectedness greatly increases the EP specialist's ability to protect the principal.

Another important component is access to the necessary information, such as the principal's daily schedule, upcoming travel plans, both work and non-work, work activities that might generate special risk, and any odd or threatening communications.

How much of a role does a good personality play in making these things work?
It's the number one characteristic you have to display. You have to have the right chemistry so that you and the principal you protect get along well. And that is not always the case. You can have someone with really fantastic professional background in protection, but if that chemistry isn't on mark, it's destined for failure.

It's just as important to be approachable. In order for us to be successful in executive protection, we've got to have allies up and down the main stream of the company. If you want to get things done, you can't do it by yourself. You've got to be able to get along with people.

What are the things people tend to overlook in an EP program?
Understanding that chemistry between the principal and the executive protection detail. You have to have buy-in from the top. Support from upper management and communication from those we protect. In executive protection it is all about the details. There is a common misnomer that anyone can provide protection. But without the proper training and support the mission will be compromised.

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