Problem
A large global organization reached out to International SOS about protecting its chief executive during a conference on a university campus in one of the most volatile, high-tension cities in the Middle East. He would be in the country for three days and the conference would be attended by more than 2,000 people. Large events can prove to be difficult to manage safety and security, as opposed to smaller venues.
The organization did not have the right internal resources and turned to International SOS and its partners with a mix of in-country knowledge, integrated medical and security, communications capabilities and boots on the ground. Could we help?
Solution
The organization’s challenges included the CEO’s unique profile, which proved culturally challenging, as well as the need to work closely with officials in-country charged with physical security during the event. It required a diplomatic and political touch and respect that comes with years of experience working in challenging environments.
Impact
This mission required flexibility. The original request changed from support at the venue (and getting there and back) to three days of around the clock executive protection, including at the hotel, requiring change on the fly and increased bandwidth. It also involved assistance with immigration clearances at the airport.
International SOS is uniquely positioned to bring together medical and security experts as well as partners to provide physical security for the executive – including route, accommodation and venue assessments, and physical secure ground transportation to and from the hotel. As part of our integration, we stood up an Assistance Center case in the event medical and security assistance was needed during the visit, and make sure all players were on the same page.
ROI
The trip went off without a hitch, thanks to robust security and medical risk planning as well as local knowledge and expertise.