According to Star Tribune, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was lethally shot in a deliberate assault in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. Authorities reported that the assailant ambushed him outside the Hilton Midtown hotel as he was en route to an investor conference. Officials are still probing the motive, and the perpetrator remains unidentified. Thompson's assassination stunned the business community, as he was recognized for his significant influence in the healthcare sector. A manhunt for the suspect is currently underway.
The career of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, has had a notable career in the healthcare sector. He joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, initially occupying leadership positions centered on Medicare, Medicaid, and retirement initiatives. These positions involved overseeing programs that served seniors and Medicaid beneficiaries, which played a crucial role in the company's expansion and mission to enhance healthcare accessibility.
In 2021, Thompson was elevated to CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group. His duties include managing one of the largest health insurance operations in the United States, encompassing commercial health plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage plans. His leadership aims to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare services, aligning with the company's long-term objectives of sustainable growth and enhanced consumer experience.
Thompson possesses an educational background in accounting, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Iowa, which has bolstered his strategic and operational leadership capabilities.