Our story
The International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA) was founded in 1989 by Mr. Jim King in the United States with the goal of connecting and advancing protection professionals worldwide. Since its inception, the IAPPA has played a pivotal role in raising global standards of professionalism, ethics, and operational excellence within the close protection and security industry.
In 2017, Oliver Becker, CCPA®, assumed the presidency of the Association, leading a new era of modernization and professionalization. Under his leadership, the headquarters was moved to Germany and later, in 2025, to Vienna, Austria, strategically positioning the IAPPA closer to international organizations such as the United Nations.
Today, the IAPPA is guided by an international leadership team with decades of operational experience in close protection, corporate and governmental security management, and high-level training development. This diverse team ensures that all IAPPA programs, certifications, and initiatives reflect real-world relevance, international standards, and professional integrity.
Over the years, the IAPPA has evolved beyond its original focus on professional bodyguards. The Association now actively engages in the fundamental protection of people through various educational and awareness programs that are accessible to individuals from all walks of life. These initiatives aim to strengthen personal safety, resilience, and situational awareness in an increasingly complex world.
President Oliver Becker and the leadership team have also redefined the concept of membership within the IAPPA. The traditional open membership model has been replaced by a selective admission process, ensuring that only those who share the Association’s core values—Courage, Loyalty, Respect, and Honor—and uphold its standards of excellence are invited to join. This shift underscores the IAPPA’s commitment to quality over quantity, maintaining the integrity and credibility that have defined the Association for more than three decades.
As a global community, the IAPPA continues to stand for professionalism, ethical conduct, and dedication to the protection of life. Together, we pursue our mission:
to protect people, elevate standards, and shape the future of international security.
The IAPPA logo from 1989 to 2017
The IAPPA logo since 2017
Our Team
The International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA) is led by an experienced international team of professionals who have dedicated their careers to the art and science of protection. Our leadership combines decades of hands-on expertise in close protection, operational security management, and specialized training across governmental, corporate, and private sectors.
With backgrounds in international security operations, risk management, and education, the IAPPA leadership team ensures that every training, certification, and initiative meets the highest global standards of professionalism, ethics, and practical relevance. Together, we uphold the mission of the IAPPA – to advance and unify the profession of personal protection worldwide.
Oliver Becker, CCPA®
Oliver Becker, President of the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA), leads the organization with over three decades of experience in international security and close protection. Under his direction, the IAPPA sets global standards in professional training, certification, and ethics for protection agents, fostering excellence, integrity, and international cooperation within the security industry.
Charles Mallice, CCPA®
Charles Mallice, Vice President of the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA), brings extensive experience from the fields of executive protection and international security operations. With a strong background in leadership and training, he is dedicated to promoting professional standards, operational excellence, and global collaboration among protection specialists worldwide.