The rules of Executive Protection have changed. Welcome to the New Guard.

We asked EP professionals around the world how the industry is changing—here’s what they told us.

Our team at Presage Global is proud to announce the launch of a landmark survey report for the executive protection industry: The New Guard: The Evolution of Technology, Training, and Tradecraft in Executive Protection.

The study reveals the EP field’s shift from traditional "bodyguards" to strategic, tech-enabled risk advisors skilled in cross-domain risk management.

The report provides actionable data for both practitioners and organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of evolving threats and client expectations. 

Download the full report here: https://www.presageglobal.com/the-new-guard

Key Findings:

·     Specialization Outpaces Experience in Salary Growth:  Specialized technical expertise in areas like cybersecurity now commands salary premiums of 20–35%, underscoring the growing demand for modern skillsets over traditional experience.

·     Drones: Dual Role as Threat and Asset: Sixty-five percent of professionals identify drones as a key security concern, but their operational value in surveillance, perimeter monitoring, and emergency response makes them an indispensable tool for EP teams.

·     Triple-Threat Skillset in Demand: Today'sEP professionals must combine traditional security expertise, advanced technical capabilities, and business acumen. This shift is evident as 57% of respondents now hold advanced degrees.

·     AI Revolutionizes EP: With a 75% adoption rate, artificial intelligence is redefining threat assessment, predictive analysis, and operational planning, drastically reducing reaction times and enhancing situational awareness.

·     Soft Skills Take Center Stage: Beyond tactical proficiency, 85% of respondents emphasized the importance of relationship management and cultural sensitivity, signaling a shift toward holistic client engagement.

·     Convergence of Digital and Physical Security: Digital threats are integral to physical security, with 80% using technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM).