Why Executives Are Removing Their LinkedIn Photos: A Reaction to the Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

In the wake of tragic events, such as the shocking killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, executives across various industries are reconsidering how they present themselves online. One notable trend that has emerged in the aftermath of this tragedy is the decision by many executives to remove their LinkedIn profile photos.

I noticed a significant increase in executives without photos in my searches for our clients in Sales Navigator. There are 2 to 3 times as many people without photos as a month ago. We typically remove people without photos from the outreach because they are less likely to be active on LinkedIn. Not anymore. I thought this would be of significant interest to others on LinkedIn, so I wanted to share some thoughts and information.

We have generally removed people who need photos from the Lead Lists we prepare because they are considered to be less likely to be active on LinkedIn (except in the HR field). We are now rethinking this. You might as well.

Some now see what was once a symbol of professional branding, credibility, and connection as a potential risk. In this article, we will explore why executives are taking this step, whether it is becoming a new rule at specific companies, the broader implications of this trend, and at which level of an organization this precaution might matter most.

Motivations Behind the Trend

The motivation for removing LinkedIn photos largely stems from a desire for personal safety. The brutal murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, has catalyzed rethinking of the visibility of top executives on social media platforms. Executives are often high-profile individuals, their names synonymous with their leading companies. As such, they can become political, financial, or personal targets.

LinkedIn, a platform primarily used for professional networking, offers personal and career information. In addition to a photo, an executive’s LinkedIn profile may include details about their job title, company, career history, and accomplishments. For many high-ranking individuals, this information can be easily accessible to the public, which could expose them to unwanted attention. This is especially true when executives are responsible for controversial decisions or lead organizations that are the subject of public scrutiny.

The killing of Brian Thompson although a rare and extreme case, highlights a growing concern among executives regarding their security. The violent nature of the crime has led many to reconsider their online presence and whether their visibility could put them at risk. In some cases, executives have concluded that removing their LinkedIn photos could offer them protection. This decision is part of a broader trend where some high-profile figures reevaluate how much personal information they share online, considering the professional benefits and potential risks.

Is It Becoming a New Rule?

While the decision to remove a LinkedIn photo may not be an official rule at many companies, it is quickly becoming a cautious step taken by some executives, especially in high-risk industries or in the public eye. Some organizations will likely adopt this practice as risk management, advising their executives and leadership teams to take extra steps to protect their privacy and security.

For example, large corporations and firms with a global presence may have security protocols that extend beyond the physical security of their executives. This could include cyber and personal security assessments, such as evaluating the potential risks posed by online platforms like LinkedIn. In high-risk industries, particularly those with a history of public or shareholder pressure, companies might adopt guidelines for their executives to either limit their social media activity or remove identifying personal information, such as photos.

Although the decision to remove a LinkedIn photo may still need to be an established company-wide rule, it is possible that more organizations, particularly in industries where executives face high scrutiny, will formalize these steps as part of their overall security policies. The rise in cybersecurity threats, personal attacks, and even physical threats against high-profile business leaders has led some companies to reimagine how they manage their executives' online personas.

Implications of Removing LinkedIn Photos

The decision to remove LinkedIn photos can have several implications for the individual executive and the organization.

1. Personal Safety and Security: The most immediate impact is the executive's added layer of personal security. Removing their photos reduces the likelihood that someone will recognize them, track their movements, or use publicly available information to harm them. This can be especially important for those who travel frequently or are in leadership positions at companies facing significant public or media scrutiny.
2. Professional Branding: LinkedIn photos are often a key element of personal branding, and removing them may detract from an executive’s ability to establish a strong individual identity online. Executives rely on LinkedIn to build credibility, network, and connect with other professionals. Without a photo, it may be more difficult for others to trust or connect with them, as photos often humanize individuals and foster a sense of approachability.
3. Perception of Weakness: Executives who remove their photos may be perceived as overly cautious or paranoid. Colleagues, competitors, or industry peers may wonder if the move is a sign of vulnerability. In industries where confidence and leadership are highly valued, such a decision could send unintended signals about an executive’s ability to lead under pressure.
4. Privacy Concerns: On the flip side, removing photos can signify that an executive values privacy. With increasing awareness of the dangers of oversharing personal information, executives may remove their photos to protect themselves better and avoid being overly exposed. As social media platforms evolve, privacy has become a growing concern for many users, not just executives, and removing photos can be part of broader efforts to protect personal details.
5. Corporate Image and Risk Management: For companies, advising executives to remove their LinkedIn photos is a proactive step in crisis management. While rare, the risks posed by online visibility are becoming more apparent, and organizations are becoming more aware of the potential consequences. This practice may be formally encouraged for companies in sectors where executive safety is a concern, such as finance, healthcare, and energy.

At Which Level Does This Matter Most?

While the decision to remove LinkedIn photos is particularly relevant for top executives, it is likely to be a precautionary measure that extends further down the leadership chain. However, the most immediate and significant impact is felt at the very top levels of an organization.

1. CEOs and Senior Leadership: CEOs and other C-suite executives are the most visible members of an organization. They are often the face of the company and regularly appear in public media, interviews, and corporate events. As the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO illustrated, top executives are at the highest risk of being targeted for a variety of reasons. For this reason, removing LinkedIn photos may make sense for those in the most visible positions, where the consequences of being targeted are far-reaching.
2. Middle Management: Middle managers and other leadership team members may also face some risk, but the consequences are less pronounced than those for top executives. In these cases, removing LinkedIn photos is likely personal, driven by the individual’s perception of their security needs.
3. Employees and Lower-Level Staff: For lower-level employees or those without significant public profiles, removing LinkedIn photos is far less pressing. These individuals are not typically exposed to the same level of risk, and their decision to remove LinkedIn photos (if at all) is likely based more on personal preference or privacy concerns.

Conclusion

The tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by high-profile executives. As a result, many leaders are reassessing how much personal information they make available to the public, including LinkedIn profile photos. Although removing LinkedIn photos is not a widespread corporate policy, it is becoming an increasingly common precaution, particularly among executives in high-risk industries. The decision to remove a photo can enhance an executive’s security and present challenges in professional branding and public perception.

Ultimately, the level at which this precaution matters most is at the top echelons of the company—CEOs, CFOs, and other senior leaders. Security risks are more pronounced for these individuals, and the potential consequences of exposure are more significant. As businesses adapt to the realities of modern-day threats, more organizations will likely formalize measures like these to protect their most valuable assets—people, particularly those at the top.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you think it will be temporary or will it spread?