Prevalence of CEO Personal Security Perquisites Continues to Rise

Key Takeaways

• CEO security perks rose to 44.4% in 2025 sample
• No firms eliminated security perks; they’re seen as essential
• 12.1% of disclosed perks exceeded $1 million in 2025
• Corporate aircraft usage remains tied to security considerations
• SEC may revisit disclosure rules for executive security benefits

Pulse Analysis

The surge in CEO security perquisites reflects a broader shift in risk‑management philosophy among large‑cap companies. After the high‑profile UnitedHealthcare shooting, boards accelerated reviews of executive protection, but CAP’s data reveal that the trajectory was already positive before the incident. Companies are integrating alarm systems, personal guards, and secure transportation into compensation packages, treating safety as a strategic asset rather than a discretionary perk. This trend aligns with heightened geopolitical tensions and the growing public visibility of senior leaders, prompting firms to embed security into their talent‑retention playbooks.

Financially, the security envelope is expanding despite a dip in median values. While many firms report modest annual spend, outliers push the average upward, with more than one‑tenth of disclosed programs costing over $1 million. The linkage to corporate‑aircraft use amplifies cost volatility, as firms justify private‑flight privileges as a means to reduce exposure during travel. SEC disclosure thresholds—$10,000 aggregate or $25,000 per item—mean that most of these benefits now appear on proxy footnotes, increasing transparency but also scrutiny from shareholders and regulators.

Looking ahead, the 2026 proxy season will likely confirm whether the UnitedHealthcare incident catalyzed a lasting acceleration. Boards are expected to formalize security policies, set clear cost caps, and possibly lobby for revised disclosure rules that treat safety measures as business expenses rather than perquisites. Companies that proactively align security spending with risk assessments can mitigate liability, protect leadership continuity, and demonstrate prudent governance to investors.