Why Close Protection is Crucial for Business Executives in 2025

Executives today face risks that move faster than corporate governance can track - and close protection has become a strategic safeguard, not a luxury. Business leaders across the world face mounting personal and professional threats - from corporate espionage and cybercrime to targeted attacks and surveillance.

For high-profile executives, close protection security has shifted from a luxury to a critical component of personal and organisational risk management.

What is close protection security?

Close protection security - sometimes referred to as executive protection - involves professionally trained operatives who ensure the safety of individuals at risk. Unlike general security personnel, close protection officers are proactive, discreet, and equipped to deal with dynamic threats in real time.

Why do business executives need close protection?

Global business exposure brings influence - and with it, risk. Executives frequently manage high-value deals, sensitive negotiations, and public appearances, making them vulnerable to:

• Kidnapping for ransom, particularly during international travel.

• Corporate espionage, including data theft and surveillance.

• Public backlash or political threats, especially in controversial industries.

• Cybercrime, where online targeting can escalate to physical risks.
  

A tailored close protection service ensures these threats are anticipated and mitigated before they escalate.

What do close protection services include?

VIS Protection offers a full spectrum of close protection services, from secure travel and surveillance to high-level risk mitigation strategies. Our bespoke approach includes:

Personalised risk assessments

Before deployment, we assess the client’s routine, profile, environment, and industry risks. This intelligence-led method forms the backbone of a protection plan that’s precise, unobtrusive, and effective.

Discreet security presence

We understand the importance of maintaining professionalism and public image. Our close protection operatives are trained to blend into environments - whether that’s a boardroom in Mayfair or a high-profile event in Dublin.

Rapid emergency response

From medical incidents to physical threats, our teams are trained for decisive action. VIS operatives bring backgrounds in military or police services, ensuring calm, expert intervention in high-stress situations.

How does close protection help business continuity?

Security risks don’t just threaten individuals - they disrupt business. We help protect both.

Secure travel for executives

Whether you're flying from London to Dubai or attending investor meetings in Dublin, VIS ensures safe passage with vetted drivers, secure transit routes, and local security liaisons. Our close protection drivers support high-pressure itineraries with discreet, security-led transport coordination.

Confidential meeting protection

We secure meeting venues against eavesdropping and intrusion, allowing you to negotiate and collaborate with peace of mind.

Digital and physical threat integration

Our teams collaborate with cybersecurity experts to address threats across both domains - ensuring that your sensitive data and personal safety are equally protected.

What should PAs and Executive Assistants consider when arranging close protection?

PAs and Executive Assistants are often the first to recognise when an executive’s exposure has changed - whether that’s increased travel, sensitive negotiations or a rise in public visibility. Their involvement shapes how effective protection will be.

Key considerations include:

• Due diligence: Check SIA licensing, insurance, and the operative’s professional background.

• Operational fit: The team must integrate with board-level environments without disrupting schedules or reputation.

• Corporate-travel capability: Ability to coordinate multi-city travel, private aviation, early-morning departures and late-night returns.

• Confidentiality discipline: NDAs, data handling and communication etiquette must match executive-level sensitivity.

• Daily protocol alignment: Route planning, diary coordination and preference-led protocols should feel natural and unobtrusive.

Why choose VIS for close protection services in London and Ireland?

At VIS Protection, every operative is a seasoned professional - former military or police - with experience in high-risk environments.

We operate extensively across London’s corporate districts - including Mayfair, Canary Wharf and the City - as well as Dublin’s key business hubs. For executives who divide time between both, we deliver consistent, high-standard protection across regions.

We offer:

• Tailored solutions for corporate leaders, public figures, and high-net-worth individuals.
  

• Local expertise across the UK and Ireland, including on-the-ground support in London and Dublin.
  

• Global reach, with consistent, high-standard operations worldwide.
  

Our ethos is simple: protect people, not just assets - without disruption, intrusion, or compromise.

FAQs

1. What does a close protection officer do for a business executive?

Close protection officers safeguard executives during travel, meetings and public appearances -discreetly managing risk, monitoring environments and responding quickly to emerging threats.

2. Is close protection necessary for corporate travel in 2025?

Yes. With increased geopolitical tension, cyber-physical crossover threats and targeted criminal activity, secure travel has become part of standard risk management for senior leaders.

3. How is executive protection different from a standard security guard?

Executive protection is proactive and intelligence-led. Operatives adapt to high-pressure corporate environments, anticipate threats and integrate into the executive’s working day without disruption.

4. Do executives need close protection for board meetings and confidential negotiations?

Where negotiations involve high-value deals or sensitive commercial information, close protection prevents unwanted attention, manages access and strengthens confidentiality.

5. What should a PA or Executive Assistant check before hiring a protection team?

Licensing, insurance, operational experience, confidentiality standards and the team's ability to integrate seamlessly into the principal’s schedule.

In summary

Close protection for business executives in 2025 blends physical security, digital threat mitigation and discreet operational support. It safeguards travel, negotiations and high-stakes activity - ensuring leaders stay focused on performance, not risk.

When you're leading from the front, security can't be an afterthought. It's your foundation. Whether you're managing a merger, representing your company at a global summit, or travelling for sensitive business, you deserve protection that works quietly but powerfully in the background.

Let VIS Protection provide the peace of mind you need to lead without hesitation. Contact VIS.