Brian Thompson: Who is UnitedHealth CEO shot dead in New York?

Brian Thompson: Healthcare CEO Shot In NYC

The CEO of UnitedHealth, Brian Thompson, was tragically killed in a shooting on the streets of New York City.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of a health insurance company in the US, was shot and killed in what seems to be a deliberate assault in Manhattan on Wednesday. His wife revealed that he had been facing threats connected to medical "coverage."

"There were a few threats," Paulette Thompson shared with NBC. "Essentially, I'm not sure, maybe it's due to insufficient medical coverage? I don’t have all the specifics."

"I heard him mention that there were individuals who had been making threats against him."

Mr. Thompson, who spent many years at UnitedHealth before becoming the CEO, was shot in the back by an unidentified attacker, who is currently the focus of a police search.

The individual involved brought a pistol equipped with a suppressor when he arrived at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan for an insurance conference.

Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the murderer or suggest any potential reasons behind the crime. After the attack, the suspect escaped into Central Park and remains at large.

"Devoted Father And Trusted Colleague"

Mr. Thompson's passing was deeply felt by both his family and coworkers.

"We are heartbroken by the pointless loss of our dear Brian," his sister-in-law expressed in a statement on behalf of the family.

"Brian was an exceptionally kind, giving, and skilled individual who embraced life wholeheartedly and made a positive impact on many people," she expressed.

She also mentioned that he was "a remarkably affectionate dad" to their two sons.

UnitedHealth Group expressed that they were "profoundly saddened and taken aback" by his passing.

"The company stated that Brian was a well-regarded team member and a friend to everyone he worked with."

"We are collaborating closely with the New York Police Department and appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this challenging period. We extend our deepest sympathies to Brian's family and everyone who was dear to him."

CEO Of America's Largest Private Health Insurer

In April 2021, Mr. Thompson, a resident of a Minneapolis suburb in Minnesota, was appointed as the CEO of UnitedHealth.

Last year, he earned $10.2 million (£8 million) from the business. In 2022, his earnings were $9.8 million, and in 2021, he brought in $9.6 million.

He joined the health insurance company in 2004 and has taken on several leadership positions, including serving as the CEO of the division that oversees government programs.

UnitedHealth is the biggest private health insurance provider in the United States.

Before joining UnitedHealth, Mr. Thompson worked as a manager at PwC for several years, as he mentions on his LinkedIn profile.

He completed his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Iowa in 1997.

Mr. Thompson had been dealing with accusations of insider trading.

In May 2024, a pension fund initiated a class-action lawsuit claiming that Mr. Thompson sold $15 million worth of his UnitedHealth stock while being aware that the company was being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal in February, authorities were examining if the company broke US antitrust regulations.

The BBC has reached out to UnitedHealth for their response.

UnitedHealth is a large corporation involved in various sectors such as insurance, healthcare services, pharmacy operations, and health information management. In 2023, the company generated over $371 billion in revenue.

Court records indicate that the company has acquired over 35 healthcare firms in the past decade. Investigators from the justice department are examining whether it leveraged its market influence to stifle competition, to the detriment of both customers and workers.

According to The Wall Street Journal, officials spoke with representatives from the healthcare sector to inquire about how the company's acquisitions of doctor groups might impact competitors and consumers.

The City of Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund has filed a complaint against Mr. Thompson and several other executives. They are accused of not informing investors about an ongoing investigation prior to selling over $117 million in company shares.

Pension funds, being long-term investors that acquire significant stock holdings, frequently act on behalf of shareholders and have suggested filing a class-action lawsuit against UnitedHealth.

The legal case is still ongoing.

The person who attacked Thompson ran away into Central Park and is still not captured.

The company is currently dealing with a lawsuit regarding its plan to acquire a competing healthcare firm.

UnitedHealth proposed to acquire Amedisys, a company specializing in home healthcare and hospice services, for $3.3 billion (£2.6 billion).

On November 12, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the merger, claiming it would reduce competition and negatively impact patients using home health and hospice care, insurance companies that hire for these services, and the nurses who deliver them.

UnitedHealth stated that the merger would enhance competition and promote innovation, resulting in better patient outcomes and increased access to high-quality care. They referred to the lawsuit from the Justice Department as an "excessive interpretation of antitrust laws."

During President Joe Biden's time in office, the Department of Justice has intensified its efforts to implement U.S. antitrust laws, which are designed to stop monopolies and promote competition among businesses.