Cooke and Associates (CAI) – the executive protection and corporate security risk management firm – has announced that Dave Komendat, who recently retired as CSO of The Boeing Company, has joined its Advisory Board.

Komendat will serve alongside renowned executive protection professional and trainer Robert L. Oatman, CPP, who serves as Board Chair and Michael Gips, JD, CPP, CSyP, principal of Global Insights in Professional Security, a highly regarded security expert and former Chief Global Knowledge & Learning Officer at ASIS International.

Operating in almost 50 countries, CAI specialises in protecting family offices, CEOs and prominent high net worth individuals. The firm prides itself on understanding the wants and needs of the most discerning clients and cultivating relationships with singular attention.

CAI excels in logistics and fine details, ensuring that lifestyle and culture balance perfectly with safety and security. CEO Harry Arruda established CAI’s advisory board in June 2022.

Komendat, who retired from Boeing at the end of 2022 after a 14-year stint at the helm of its global security program, has been recognised as one of the profession’s greatest leaders and influencers. At Boeing, he oversaw everything from aviation security and strategic intelligence to business continuity and executive protection.

He served as the Private Sector Co-Chairman for the Domestic Security Alliance Council and previously served as a member of the Threats and Information Committee for the Overseas Security Advisory Council. Komendat also serves on the boards of Hostage U.S., International Security Foundation and the Domestic Security Partnership.

In 2018, he received the Director’s Award for Exceptional Public Service from FBI Director Christopher Wray. He recently established the consultancy DSKomendat Risk Management Services.

“Adding such a great talent and consummate professional as Dave represents the capstone to CAI’s advisory board,” said Arruda. “Dave has thrived in one of the highest profile and most demanding corporate security positions out there.

“His experience developing and operating a world class executive protection program will provide invaluable insight and inspiration as CAI continues to strategically grow while remaining true to our mission of providing impeccable service.”

“It’s truly an honour to be able to help Harry help set the company’s direction and introduce more organisations to CAI,” added Komendat. “There’s a wide range of executive protection services on the market, but CAI stands above in its standards for professionalism, conduct and expertise. I’m eager to see CAI drive excellence throughout the EP world.”

Fellow Board Members Oatman and Gips both praised the appointment. “Dave is the best of the best of a rare breed,” said Oatman. Gips commented: “To me, Dave has always represented the gold standard of CSOs, so I’m thrilled to serve alongside him.”