Beyond Bodyguards - Steve Ricciardi on Understanding the Business of Executive Security & Art of Close Protection

For most people, “executive protection” conjures images of oversized agents in dark suits, scanning crowds behind mirrored sunglasses. But for Steve Ricciardi, former U.S. Secret Service agent and Managing Director at Corporate Security Advisors (CSA), that image couldn’t be further from the reality — or the mission — of a well-constructed protection program.

“Executive protection is not about the optics,” Ricciardi says. “It’s about strategy, about being three steps ahead of risk. It’s also about making sure your executives can conduct their business without thinking about security — because everything’s already been thought through.”

Ricciardi’s insights come from decades of field experience, including years leading protective details for some of the world’s most high-profile figures. Today, he helps CSA clients design executive security programs that are fit for the private sector — comprehensive, scalable, and business-aligned.

The Lesson of Hong Kong

One story he often shares comes from his time leading a presidential advance team in Hong Kong. As the President and First Lady traveled through a new convention center during a high-level visit, an unexpected lightning strike triggered a power failure — stranding them mid-elevator ride.

Fortunately, Ricciardi had already planned for that contingency. An elevator technician was positioned on-site as part of his advance team. The problem was resolved quickly, quietly — and most importantly, safely.“Nobody expects lightning to hit the building,” Ricciardi recalls. “But you plan for the systems that could fail, and you prepare to adapt. That’s the essence of protection.”

Private Sector Misconceptions

In the corporate world, executive protection is often misunderstood — both by those who may need it, and even by some who are tasked with delivering it. Ricciardi emphasizes that effective programs begin with sound policies and standards, not just personnel. “Executive protection should be treated as a strategic business function — not a line item, not an afterthought,” he explains. That includes far more than just personal travel security.

Holistic programs integrate:

• Threat intelligence monitoring
• Residential security assessments
• Event and venue advances
• Emergency response planning
• Digital and reputational risk assessments

Often, Ricciardi says, the most valuable protection work happens long before an executive steps into a public space — quietly addressing threats before they materialize.

The Human Side of Protection

Technical preparation is essential, but it is only part of the equation. Ricciardi stresses the importance of building trust with the executive being protected.

“These are people with enormous responsibility, and they need to feel comfortable with the team around them,” he says. “That means clear communication, transparency, and respect for their privacy. You have to build a rapport where they know you’ll give them the space they want — until it’s time to close in, if needed.”

He recalls times when protectees asked him for input before public events, wanting reassurance that the team had contingencies in place. “When they know you’ve thought through every scenario, it builds confidence — and lets them focus on why they are there in the first place.”

When Companies Should Consider Executive Protection

One area Ricciardi frequently consults on is how organizations assess whether they even need protection services — especially for new or growing companies that may assume they’re too small to warrant such programs.

“The reality is, it’s not always about size — it’s about exposure,” he explains. “To determine level of exposure, we ask the following:

• Is the company making controversial decisions?
• Are executives highly visible or outspoken?
• Have there been recent litigations, layoffs, or business disruptions?
• Are executives regularly traveling internationally or attending high-profile events?”

In many cases, Ricciardi recommends beginning with a tailored risk assessment to objectively evaluate the specific risks facing executives, facilities, and reputational assets. “You don’t always need a full-time protection team. But you do need to understand your vulnerabilities and have plans in place.”

Bringing Presidential Standards to Private Sector Security

Ricciardi’s approach reflects the discipline and foresight that defined his federal career and now shapes his work in corporate security consulting. The exacting standards of the Secret Service remain his foundation, but he’s adapted them to fit the realities of the private sector: complex businesses, evolving threats, and executives who carry both high visibility and high responsibility.

“The Secret Service teaches you to think beyond the obvious — to anticipate not just what’s likely, but what’s possible,” Ricciardi explains. “That mindset applies just as much in the corporate world, where reputational, legal, or geopolitical risks can escalate quickly if you’re not prepared.”

In his work today, that preparation takes the form of tailored assessments, thoughtful policies, and carefully calibrated protection programs that allow senior leaders to operate with confidence — knowing that their risks are being actively managed, often before they even surface.

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Steve Ricciardi is a highly accomplished security professional with over 40 years of experience in both public and private sectors. He specializes in comprehensive risk mitigation, crisis management, and global security strategies, with expertise in directing high-level investigations and delivering exceptional executive security services for high-profile individuals.

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