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As Cracker Barrel CEO Exits, She Takes Security Detail With Her
newser.com • • business
Key Points:
- Cracker Barrel will continue funding personal security for outgoing CEO Julie Masino after her departure in October, an unusual move highlighting increased corporate protection for leaders amid rising threats.
- This decision follows backlash against Masino during Cracker Barrel's brief rebranding effort, which sparked "woke" accusations and personal attacks.
- Data from Equilar shows median CEO security spending at S&P 500 companies has more than tripled since 2021, with about 40% now disclosing such benefits.
- High-profile violent incidents targeting CEOs, including the 2024 shooting of UnitedHealth's CEO and an attempted attack on OpenAI's CEO, have prompted many firms to reassess executive security needs.
- Security spending can be substantial, exemplified by Meta's $8.5 million expenditure on Mark Zuckerberg's protection last year, and extended coverage may be part of negotiation terms when executives step down.
