henchman

This term carries a strong negative connotation, typically evoking images of mindless loyalty and the execution of sinister or oppressive commands. It suggests a power imbalance where the individual lacks autonomy and serves as a tool for a more dominant, often villainous, figure.

While it can occasionally describe a trusted assistant in a neutral business context, the word almost always implies a willingness to engage in unethical, illegal, or aggressive behavior to protect the interests of a superior.