It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, co-founder, and Vice Chairman, Joseph Rosetti. Joe was not only a cornerstone of Guidepost Solutions, but a beloved mentor, trusted advisor, and inspiring presence to so many of us, both within and beyond our company.
Joe’s distinguished career spanned decades, during which he held leadership roles in government and corporate industry, including roles with the U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, IBM, Kroll Associates, IPSA International, SafirRosetti and, of course, Guidepost. But to those who had the privilege of working alongside him, Joe’s most defining qualities weren’t just his jobs and titles, they were his wisdom, warmth, and insatiable curiosity.
Joe was the kind of person who made an impression the moment you met him. He was always quick with a story, a lesson, or a question…often all three. Whether sharing a memory from his days investigating Jimmy Hoffa or offering thoughtful guidance on a difficult decision, Joe had a unique way of turning even a routine conversation into something meaningful. He was a true mentor, always generous with his knowledge and keen to help others see more clearly, think more deeply, and grow with confidence.
What set Joe apart wasn’t only how much he had to teach, but how much he loved to learn. His curiosity was real and infectious. He asked questions not to impress, but to understand. He listened closely, laughed often, and took quiet joy in discovering new perspectives. Even in small moments, Joe brought humanity and heart to everything he did—whether it was a thoughtful conversation in the office or a round of golf, where his love of the game was matched only by his enjoyment of good company and spirited conversation.
Just this past May, as we marked Guidepost’s 15th anniversary, Joe reflected on what made this company so special to him. He said, “The future is in the hands of the types of leaders and employees we have at Guidepost. We are leaders and doers that never lose sight of our ethical foundation to move forward to the next level.” That spirit—rooted in integrity, driven by purpose—will continue to guide us, just as Joe always did.
We will deeply miss his wisdom, his stories, his questions, and his ability to light up a room with insight and humor. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in our company and the countless lives he touched along the way. We are forever grateful for the time we had with him and we will carry his memory forward with the same strength, curiosity, and heart that he shared so generously with us all.
Prior to forming Guidepost Solutions, Joseph R. Rosetti was president of the premier security consulting firm SafirRosetti, one of Guidepost’s predecessors. He was also a co-founder and vice chairman of Kroll Associates, a worldwide security consulting company where he was responsible for corporate security and crisis management services for industry and professional organizations including preventive measures to combat corporate and financial crimes.
From 1971 to 1987 he was director of worldwide security for IBM, responsible for security programs in physical security, investigations, personnel security, trade secret protection, information asset security, financial asset security, and Department of Defense Security. In his capacity as IBM’s security director, Mr. Rosetti was the chief industry representative serving as Vice Chairman of the Secretary of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council.
Mr. Rosetti was a member of the U.S. National Chamber of Commerce Crime Reduction Panel, Staff Director for the Conference of the National Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, a member of the private Security Task Force to the National Advisory Committee on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, and Chairman of the American Management Association’s Council on Crimes against Business.
Prior to joining IBM, Mr. Rosetti was the Northeast Director for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice and a Special Agent, Group Supervisor, and Special Assistant to the Assistant Commissioner for Compliance in the Intelligence Division, U.S. Treasury Department. Prior to joining the U.S. Government, he was chief accountant for Marriott.
Mr. Rosetti is a National Institute of Public Affairs Fellow from the University of Southern California. He has taught and lectured at numerous universities.
Additionally, Mr. Rosetti was a corporate director of Kroll Associates, Inc., Security Technology, Inc., Alpine Lace, Inc., GVI Incorporated and chairman of MediaBay, Inc.
Mr. Rosetti was a Trustee of Widener University and the Norwalk Maritime Center. He is also the recipient of many awards including: Ellis Island Medal of Honor; Tribute of Appreciation, U.S. Department of State; and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Widener University.
