Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare shot and killed by a masked gunman in Manhattan Wednesday morning exterior a Hilton Resort, had been on the helm of the insurance coverage big since April 2021, based on the corporate’s web site.
Thompson, 50, was on his option to internet hosting an buyers convention on the Sixth Ave. lodge when a masked gunman in a hoodie snuck up behind him and shot him within the again in what NYPD officers known as a focused assault. The suspect stays at massive.
The rise of a CEO
Lengthy earlier than his rise to the highest of UnitedHealthcare, the Minnesota-based medical insurance coverage big with present belongings valued at $284 billion, Thompson started on the firm in 2004, engaged on mergers and acquisitions.
He went on to develop into chief monetary officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer & Particular person, Group & State and Medicare & Retirement, then chief govt officer of the Medicare & Retirement division.
Simply earlier than turning into CEO, Thompson was chief govt officer of the corporate’s authorities applications. That division included Medicare and state applications designed to offer care to the uninsured.
In 2023, Thompson’s complete compensation was $10.2 million, together with base pay, inventory awards and money incentives, based on a press release of govt pay from the corporate.
Business Wire through AP
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth. (Business Wire through AP)
Authorized challenges as CEO
Thompson’s stint as head of UnitedHealthcare has not been with out controversy, nevertheless.
Final month, the Justice Division, together with the attorneys common of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to forestall the insurance coverage firm’s acquisition of Louisiana-based dwelling well being and hospice companies firm Amedisys Inc.
The proposed takeover, with a proposal of $3.3 billion, would have destroyed competitors between the 2 firms, based on the Justice Division.
“We are challenging this merger because home health and hospice patients and their families experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives deserve affordable, high quality care options,” mentioned Legal professional Common Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will not hesitate to check unlawful consolidation and monopolization in the healthcare market that threatens to harm vulnerable patients, their families, and health care workers.”
Final 12 months, a class motion lawsuit was filed towards UnitedHealthcare in United States District Courtroom alleging “illegal deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in place of real medical professionals to wrongfully deny elderly patients care,” based on the criticism.
The swimsuit claims the expertise was used as an overriding second opinion, and has a 90% error charge.
Earlier than and past UnitedHealthcare
Thompson, 50, lived together with his household in Minnesota, near UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn.
In keeping with his LinkedIn profile, Thompson graduated as valedictorian from the College of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting, and labored at accounting agency Pricewaterhouse Coopers from 1997-2004.
When reached by telephone, his mother-in-law, Paulette Reveiz, informed the Every day Information his household was surprised.
“The only thing I can say is he’s a good man. I can’t say anything else,” mentioned Reveiz. “We’re still in shock.”
Thompson’s brother declined to remark.
Antonio Toft, Vice President of HR and DEI at UnitedHealth Group, wrote a heartfelt put up about Thompson on LinkedIn Wednesday afternoon, describing the CEO’s dedication to and keenness for his job.
“He was not only a remarkable leader but also a cherished friend and mentor to many of us,” wrote Toft, remembering Thompson’s love for the Minnesota Twins and “a moment of joy” the 2 shared at a latest gala.
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through my body and undoubtedly through the entire community, leaving us with so many unanswered questions,” Toft wrote.
UnitedHealth Group issued a press release about Thompson’s homicide Wednesday morning.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
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