How the Kidnapping of Exxon’s President Forever Changed Executive Protection

Even in the safest, most secluded suburbs of America, there is still potential for danger — and if you are a high net worth individual, this danger is compounded. After being surveilled for five months under executive protection, on the morning of April 29, 1992, the president of Exxon International was kidnapped and held for $18 million ransom. At the time, this was the largest ransom to date.

In this episode, Fred and Philip Jett discuss the kidnapping and subsequent investigation behind the disappearance of Sidney Reso, President of Exxon International. The details of what unfolded on this seemingly routine morning and continued over the course of two months is unimaginable — from the coins needed for the hundreds of payphone calls, to the 12 ransom notes, to the logistics behind carrying 400 pounds of cash.

Philip Jett is a former corporate attorney turned renowned nonfiction author. He is a member of various boards and organizations, including a founding member of the Nashville Writers’ Council. His debut book about the Coors kidnapping, The Death of an Heir, was named one of the best true-crime stories of 2017 by The New York Times. His newest book about the Sidney Reso kidnapping is scheduled to be released in May 2021. 

Episode Notes:
Learn more about Philip Jett and his writing here: www.philipjett.com
Pre-order Taking Mr. Exxon: The Kidnapping of an Oil Giant’s President on Amazon
The Death of an Heir: Adolph Coors III and the Murder That Rocked an American Brewing Dynasty is also available on Amazon