Why Executive Assistants Are Essential to Security Programs for UHNWIs and Corporate Executives.
In conversations about security for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) and senior corporate executives, most people immediately think of personal protection agents, residential security teams, armored vehicles, and technology. However, one of the most critical components of an effective security risk management program is often the least recognized:
The Executive Assistant — the true Gate Keeper.
Executive Assistants operate at the center of the principal’s world. They manage schedules, communications, travel, meetings, and access. Because of this vantage point, they possess unique insight into who is trying to reach the principal, where the principal is expected to be, and where vulnerabilities may exist. This places them in a position of enormous influence on security outcomes.
Executive Assistants as the First Line of Protective Intelligence.
When working with UHNW families, Family Offices, and corporate executives, Executive Assistants are often the first to identify risk indicators. They are frequently the initial recipients of:
- unsolicited approaches
- suspicious emails and social engineering attempts
- requests for access to the principal
- abnormal schedule changes
- unusual travel or meeting invitations
Their ability to recognize, question, and escalate concerns makes them a primary layer of protective intelligence. Long before a threat becomes visible to security teams, the Executive Assistant has already seen the early warning signs.
Controlling Access Means Controlling Risk.
A core principle of executive protection and UHNW risk management is access control. Executive Assistants are the ones who:
- determine who gets onto the calendar
- decide which calls are put through
- validate identities and relationships
- manage sensitive personal and family information
- protect privacy by filtering communications
For threat actors, fraudsters, and extortionists, the calendar is often the attack surface. By acting as professional gatekeepers, Executive Assistants play a direct role in preventing:
- stalking and harassment
- kidnap for ransom targeting
- reputational attacks
- corporate intelligence gathering
- opportunistic crime during travel or events
Without trained and security-aware Executive Assistants, even the most sophisticated executive protection operation has gaps.
Executive Assistants in UHNW Travel Risk Management.
Travel presents some of the highest risk exposure for UHNW families and corporate leaders.
Executive Assistants are integral to:
- itinerary management
- aircraft and ground transportation coordination
- hotel and residence arrangements
- sharing sensitive travel information
- synchronizing protective services and schedules
A single calendar entry shared too broadly can compromise security. A missed travel risk assessment can introduce unnecessary exposure. When Executive Assistants work alongside professional security risk managers, travel becomes structured, discreet, and intelligence-led rather than reactive.
Training and Collaboration Create Stronger Security Programs.
At Focus One Group, we view Executive Assistants as critical stakeholders in any comprehensive security risk management strategy for UHNW and corporate clients. The strongest programs are those where Executive Assistants:
- understand pre-incident indicators
- recognize social-engineering and phishing attempts
- know when and how to escalate concerns
- communicate effectively with protection teams
- maintain confidentiality with discipline
When Executive Assistants are properly briefed and included, security becomes proactive rather than reactive.
The Human Element: Protecting Time, Privacy, and Reputation.
Security is not only about physical protection. It is about protecting:
- time
- privacy
- reputation
- business continuity
- family dynamics
No one protects those assets more directly than the Executive Assistant.
They see what others do not. And hear what others will never hear. They manage the balance between access and protection every day. Their decisions influence not only productivity, but personal safety and long-term legacy.
Conclusion: Executive Assistants Are Not Just Administrative Support — They Are Security Partners.
For Family Offices, UHNWI households, and corporate leadership teams, the message is clear:
Executive Assistants are essential to effective security risk management.
Recognizing their role, supporting their training, and integrating them into the protective intelligence framework strengthens the safety of the principal, the family, and the organization as a whole.
At Focus One Group, we believe that every security program should begin not only with agents and technology, but with the people who control information and access — the Gate Keepers.
Contact Focus One Group
Discreet Security Risk Management for Family Offices & UHNW Clients
For Family Offices, private advisors, and principals seeking a confidential, governance-aligned approach to security risk management, Focus One Group provides discreet consultation and tailored solutions across North America, South America, Europe, Asia.
Whether you are reviewing your current security posture, addressing duty-of-care considerations, or planning for future travel, residential, or lifestyle risk, our team is available for a private discussion.
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