Corporate security companies are getting more calls after CEO is killed in Midtown

Executive protection companies say they have been getting calls for protection services after a healthcare executive was shot on a busy Midtown sidewalk Wednesday.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was killed Wednesday, did not have security protection, NYPD officials have said. CEOs can face retribution from disgruntled customers or those looking to make political statements, owners of two protection companies said.

“This woke up some people,” said Christopher Innace, the owner of Pro Protection Security, which provides high-end protection for company management.

Police said the attack on Thompson was targeted, not random.

Thompson was on his way to an investor conference when a man fired multiple shots in his back and calf, killing him. Police had not yet announced any arrests as of Thursday afternoon.

Innace said he had heard from at least one executive who admitted she probably should have had a security detail, but will finally get one after this.

Cost for protection for high-ranking CEOs is based on the threat level. Aaron Jackson, owner of Finest Executive Protection and a former NYPD officer who provided security for City Hall, said protection for someone like Thompson — who had been receiving threats before he was shot, his wife told NBC — would cost between $175,000 to $225,000 per year.

“I think everyone has been put on notice,” he said. “I have some clients that really do not want to be seen with security. It doesn't fit their image, and now, they may have the face reality that their security may have to stand a little closer.”

Still, corporations that have conferences in New York aren't cancelling events or expressing concerns about holding events since the shooting, according to Erica Maurer, the owner of EMRG Media, an event-planning company.

“They're not saying, 'I'm not doing it because this situation happened.' I think they're saying, ‘What's the story that caused that situation to happen?’” she said.

Maurer said her events always have security, tailored to the needs of the people who attend.

“As event planners, it's our responsibility to know the topics that we're speaking about, the people that are attending, the risk levels, and obviously prepare accordingly," Maurer said.