HQ Team
December 4, 2024: The CEO of United Health’s insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot dead Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, reports Bloomberg citing police sources.
Thompson, 50, was shot in the chest at around 7 a.m. on his way to attend an investor’s meeting at the hotel. There has been no response from the company yet. The investor event was cancelled.
“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said.
The police are investigating. Considering the attack, it is assumed that Thompson was targeted. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and black and white sneakers. Officials said he was carrying a gray backpack. He escaped the scene on a bicycle, according to witnesses.
Thompson had been with UnitedHealth for the last 20 years and headed Medicare and other government programs during his tenure there He took over as the chief executive in 2021 and was based at its offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He began his career at PwC,
At the time of his appointment to the CEO role, Witty said, “Brian’s experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, leading to continued and sustained long-term growth.”
UnitedHealthcare is the largest private health insurer in the U.S. The shooting of its CEO has left many shocked and in disbelief. Despite the tragedy, UNH stock opened 2% higher early Wednesday.