When executives travel, whether for board meetings, investor conferences, site visits, or international deals, the risks they face multiply dramatically. It’s not just about where they’re going or what they’re doing; it’s about the structure (or lack thereof) behind their movement.
Even companies with solid executive protection protocols often overlook subtle but critical gaps in travel security. Based on decades of experience safeguarding high-profile leaders in complex environments, here are five of the most common vulnerabilities we see – and what you can do about them.
1. Unstructured or Ad Hoc Itineraries
The Risk:
Many executive trips are coordinated last-minute or pieced together from multiple sources, travel departments, executive assistants, and external partners. This fragmented approach makes it easy to lose sight of the full itinerary, which complicates planning and increases exposure.
The Fix:
Establish a centralized itinerary control process. Whether you use a secure digital platform or assign an EP team leader, every trip should have a single source of truth that integrates travel, lodging, meetings, and social events. If your EP team doesn’t see it, they can’t protect it.
2. Overreliance on Local Ground Transport
The Risk:
Executives often rely on ride-sharing services, hotel shuttles, or third-party providers for ground transportation, especially internationally. These drivers may not be vetted, trained in security protocols, or even aware of who they’re transporting.
The Fix:
Use vetted transportation providers with trained security drivers who understand movement protocol, contingency planning, and executive-level professionalism. In high-risk locations, pair the driver with an advance team or EP agent.
3. Unsecured Accommodations
The Risk:
Hotel reservations are frequently made based on brand, loyalty points, or proximity to meetings, with little thought to physical security, surveillance, or escape routes. In some cases, executives are booked into known high-risk areas or rooms with poor access control.
The Fix:
Conduct a hotel security review before booking. Assess entry/exit points, floor layouts, elevator access, and nearby threats. Opt for rooms above the second floor but below the seventh, with easy egress options. Whenever possible, the EP team should perform a walk-through and select the room themselves.
4. Lack of Advance Work and Site Familiarity
The Risk:
Executives often arrive at meetings, events, or venues without prior EP planning, no knowledge of the layout, crowd dynamics, emergency exits, or VIP handling procedures. This leaves them exposed to avoidable threats.
The Fix:
Always conduct an advance. Even a brief site survey can reveal chokepoints, hostile observation zones, or opportunities for discreet movement. When time or distance makes an in-person advance impractical, request photos, blueprints, or conduct a virtual walk-through.
5. Poor Contingency Planning and Communication
The Risk:
In many travel scenarios, the EP team has no established backup plan, or worse, no reliable way to communicate if things go wrong. Cell service, secure apps, and situational awareness tools are often underused or unreliable abroad.
The Fix:
Develop a travel-specific contingency plan that covers medical emergencies, civil unrest, vehicle failure, and executive isolation. Equip teams with secure communication tools (like encrypted apps or radios) and practice using them in advance. Consider geo-tracking tools for real-time location sharing.
Final Thoughts
In executive protection, details matter. Travel introduces countless variables, but with the right structure and foresight, many risks can be controlled or eliminated altogether.
At R.L. Oatman & Associates, we specialize in executive travel risk assessments, protective logistics, and training that prepares your team for the unexpected. Whether you’re building a formal program or improving what’s already in place, we’re here to help.
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