Kidnap and ransom risk is no longer confined to international travel, and for high-net-worth clients, that shift carries real implications.

In this episode of Risk Ready, host Bryant Kolle sits down with Josh Ackerman and Laura Garcell of Ackerman Group to explore how K&R risk is evolving closer to home, becoming more domestic, digital, and opportunistic.

Drawing on real-world experience and global insight, they break down the drivers behind this shift, the misconceptions that persist, and where exposure is often underestimated. The conversation highlights the role advisors play not only in insurance placement, but in helping clients think proactively about visibility, access, and preparedness.

This is ultimately a conversation about awareness, not fear, and how thoughtful guidance can help clients stay ahead of evolving risk.

Josh Ackerman is Chief Executive Officer at Ackerman Group, bringing a background in military security and global risk response. Prior to joining the firm in 2016, he served in the U.S. Navy within Naval Security Forces, with training in maritime antiterrorism, in-port threat detection, special reaction force operations, and active shooter response.

Since joining Ackerman Group, Josh has led investigations, conducted security audits, delivered seminars for multinational organizations, and managed executive protection teams. His work includes responding to kidnapping, extortion, threat, and workplace violence cases across the U.S. and Latin America, with extended assignments in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.

Laura Garcell is a Latin America analyst and writer at Ackerman Group, specializing in research-driven insights on regional and global risk. Prior to joining the firm, she worked across print, digital, and broadcast media covering politics, economics, and foreign affairs, later transitioning into thought leadership and long-form analysis.

Laura has led the development of in-depth reports and managed large-scale research initiatives, providing data-driven perspectives for industry leaders and policymakers. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and History and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University. A native speaker of Spanish and French, she is also proficient in Portuguese.