Security & Intelligence Leadership Search

The definitive search firm for security leadership.

We place Chief Security Officers and build world-class physical security, risk, and intelligence teams across industries and across the globe. Since 2000.

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Our Story
Our Story

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Chief Security Officer

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Head of Intelligence

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Global Security Director

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Risk Management Leadership

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Corporate Investigations

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Threat Intelligence

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Physical Security

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Executive Protection

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Crisis Management

• Chief Security Officer • Head of Intelligence • Global Security Director • Risk Management Leadership • Corporate Investigations • Threat Intelligence • Physical Security • Executive Protection • Crisis Management 

About SI Placement

Boutique precision in security executive search.

SI Placement is the premier boutique search firm dedicated exclusively to the security vertical. Founded in 2000, we specialize in placing physical security, risk management, and intelligence leaders who don't just manage risk, they define how organizations navigate it.

With over 40 years of combined experience, our network is deep, our process is deliberate, and our commitment to both clients and candidates is absolute. We operate globally, serving organizations across industries that demand exceptional security leadership.

From Chief Security Officer placements to critical team hires, we bring the insight, relationships, and precision that complex security mandates require. For candidates, our counsel is unparalleled—trusted across careers, not just moments of transition.

C-Suite

Executive Specialization

Global

Placement Reach

100%

Security-Focused Practice

25+

Years in the Security Vertical

Our Team

The people behind every placement.

  • Kathy Lavinder

    Founder and Executive Director

    Linkedin

    Kathy founded SI Placement in 2000 after a decade of conducting and managing complex investigations for corporations, financial institutions, and law firms. She was also a journalist with ABC News in New York and News Director of WBZ Radio in Boston. Her investigative background gives SI Placement a distinctive edge in assessing security talent at the highest levels.

  • Glenn Bass

    Director of Recruiting Services

    Linkedin

    Glenn brings over 20 years of executive search experience, with 15 years focused exclusively on security and investigative related roles. A member of ASIS International, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the Overseas Security Advisory Council, Glenn's deep domain knowledge and candidate relationships are central to SI Placement's ability to deliver exceptional talent on every search.

  • Kit Bartels

    Associate Director

    Linkedin

    Having served as an Air Force officer and intelligence analyst and with the U.S. State Department, Kit has deep expertise on security and risk issues. Kit was a Middle East threat analyst in the Diplomatic Security Bureau and later an Outreach Director for the Overseas Security Advisory Council.

Practice Areas

Who we place.

  • Chief Security Officers

    We excel at CSO placements, identifying executives who bridge security strategy with business outcomes and navigate complex threat environments at the board level.

  • Risk Management Leadership

    Enterprise risk leaders who translate complex threat landscapes into actionable strategy, protecting people and assets without losing sight of business priorities.

  • Intelligence & Investigations

    Threat intelligence, geopolitical risk, and corporate investigations leaders who provide strategic foresight and actionable insight.

  • Team Buildouts

    Critical security team hires, sourcing and placing the operational talent that empowers leadership and moves security initiatives from strategy to execution.

  • Global Placements

    Security is borderless, and so is our reach. We place leaders wherever our clients operate, across major markets around the globe.

  • Candidate Advisory

    We work with security professionals at every career stage, whether actively exploring, passively open, or simply seeking to build a meaningful relationship with the most reputable firm in security recruiting.

Industries Served

Security leadership across diverse sectors.

The security challenge is universal. We place trusted security leaders across industries who understand how to operate in any organizational environment, balancing risk with business reality.

  • Private Equity & Portfolio Companies

  • Financial Services & Banking

  • Technology & Software

  • Healthcare & Life Sciences

  • Real Estate & Infrastructure

  • Manufacturing & Industrial

  • Retail & Consumer Goods

  • Energy & Utilities

  • Family Offices & UHNW

  • Defense Contractors

  • Entertainment & Hospitality

  • Multinational Corporations

  • Academia & Non Profits

  • Professional Services & Consulting Firms

Testimonials

Voices from both sides of the search.

  • I have worked with SI Placement for many years, first as a candidate and then as a client. They are truly the best in the industry, placing exceptional value on the relationship side of their business. For them, it is never "one and done" — their consistent follow-up and follow-through reflect a deep commitment to excellence and service delivery. I strongly believe in and recommend SI Placement for executive search and placement; there are none better. For candidates, their wise and seasoned counsel is the industry gold standard — "not now" should never be interpreted as "not ever."

    Chief Security Officer
    Private Equity Real Estate Firm

  • The team at SI Placement has the unique ability to identify proven business-minded leaders who possess an expertise in mitigating risk within a dynamic global environment. They are able to find talent who achieve the critical balance of making risk transparent and developing innovative solutions to navigate it, while not losing sight of business priorities.

    Chief Security Officer
    Fortune 500, Multinational Medical Technology Company

  • I have worked with SI Placement for many years, first as a candidate and then as a client. They are truly the best in the industry, placing exceptional value on the relationship side of their business. For them, it is never "one and done" — their consistent follow-up and follow-through reflect a deep commitment to excellence and service delivery. I strongly believe in and recommend SI Placement for executive search and placement; there are none better. For candidates, their wise and seasoned counsel is the industry gold standard — "not now" should never be interpreted as "not ever."

    Chief Security Officer
    Private Equity Real Estate Firm

  • Working with SI Placement was a complete game changer for my career. They really took the time to understand what I was looking for and matched me with a role that perfectly fit my experience and goals, and guided me through the entire process from beginning to end. Thanks to them, I landed a perfect role at a company I absolutely love. I highly recommend their expertise and support.

    Chief Security Officer
    Fortune 500, Multinational Medical Equipment Company

  • SI Placement is a pivotal player in the security industry. The team's rigorous selection process ensures that every candidate placed possesses not only deep expertise but also the strategic foresight and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate complex global threats. This commitment to excellence translates directly into enhanced resilience for their clients. I can say without hesitation that SI Placement, through its exceptional leadership, consistently finds and places elite talent better than anyone else in the market. They truly understand the specialized needs of modern global security roles, making them an invaluable partner.

    VP, Global Workplace & Safety
    Publicly-Traded, Multinational Software Company

  • I am in my dream CSO role thanks to SI Placement! I learned about SI Placement at a security expo and connected with them on social media even though I wasn't actively looking for a job. They kept my information, remembered me, and then sought me out when a job description fit me perfectly. They offered invaluable advice throughout the interview process, including during compensation negotiations. I am forever grateful.

    Chief Security Officer
    High Net Worth Family Office

  • SI Placement is the best recruiting firm in the security industry for three reasons: professional expertise, vast network, and trust. Expertise: They track the cutting edge of industry threats and the latest security capabilities, work hard to understand their client's needs and risks, and translate these complex factors into the right cadre of candidates for client searches. Network: Kathy and team know EVERYONE in the security world, and more importantly, garner their respect. Trust: SI Placement always puts the client’s interests first in their guidance and recommendations. I should know; I’ve been both a client and a candidate successfully placed by the team.

    Chief Security Officer
    Publicly-Traded, Multinational Software Company

Our Approach

A search built for exceptional outcomes.

  • Discovery

    We invest time understanding your organization, culture, security mandate, and the precise leadership profile required to succeed in your environment.

  • Network Activation

    We access our expansive network of security leaders, many of whom aren't on job boards but are exactly what you need.

  • Slate Presentation

    We curate a deliberate slate of highly qualified candidates, not a stack of resumes. Each comes with our qualitative assessment and strategic insights.

  • Close & Beyond

    We guide the decision, facilitate offer and negotiation, and stay engaged long after placement. We build relationships, not transactions.

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Ready to define your next move?

At SI Placement, we value open communication and are always ready to engage with clients, candidates, and individuals interested in our services.

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