The international media coverage surrounding the murder of international fashion designer Gianni Versace has raised the issue of personal safety for high-level business executives. In the minutes leading up to his death, Versace had returned to his home from a local eatery without the protection of a bodyguard.

The Business Journal Forum asks:

Should CEOs feel more vulnerable while out in public settings?

Denis Brown

CEO

Pinkerton Security & Investigation Services

Generally speaking, no. But it would depend entirely on where you are going. There are high-risk areas where CEOs should have protection, particularly outside the U.S. There could be particular circumstances going on at a company that would warrant extra protection. But I don’t think much has changed because of this murder. CEOs just have to be smart.

Molly Serrano

Vice President

Chantel Partners Inc.

Not being able to go out in public is the price you pay for being a celebrity. For regular CEOs, I don’t really see a need for protection. But someone like Versace should have been more careful. The other logic is that, why spend your life hiding out? It’s a decision everyone in that position must make.

Douglas Beach

Tax Manager

Roth Bookstein & Zaslow LLP

I think they should continue to lead their lives like they always have. But maybe CEOs need to use a bit more caution. Obviously, there is a threat now from people like (the person who shot Versace). But you can’t lock yourself up and hide behind things either.

Rorion Gracie

Owner

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

I think anybody that has a position of notoriety has to be aware of their environment or situation. They can’t think they are like everyone else because there are a lot of crazy people out there. They must stay aware when they go out, but not hide from the public. If someone wants to hurt someone else, that’s hard to stop look at Kennedy.

Maureen Dalton

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Trevis Partners

I don’t think so. Just because Versace was killed doesn’t mean there is going to be this flood of famous-executive murders. They should be able to walk around freely, just not take any unnecessary risks. I wouldn’t go walking around bad neighborhoods bragging about the fact I make millions of dollars, though.