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

"Who Was Brian Thompson, NYC Healthcare CEO?"

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth, was tragically fatally shot on a street in New York City.

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

Paulette Thompson shared with NBC, "There were a few threats made. Honestly, I'm not sure, but it seems to be related to a shortage of medical coverage. I don’t have all the specifics."

"I'm aware that he mentioned some individuals were making threats against him."

Mr. Thompson, who spent many years at UnitedHealth before becoming the CEO, was shot in the back by an unidentified gunman. Authorities are now actively searching for the suspect.

The suspect had a silencer fitted to a handgun when he arrived at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan for an insurance conference.

Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrator or reveal any potential reasons behind the crime. The assailant escaped into Central Park after the incident and remains uncaught.

"Devoted Dad And Valued Coworker"

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

“We are devastated by the news of the tragic loss of our dear Brian,” his sister-in-law stated in a message shared on behalf of the family.

"Brian was an exceptionally kind, charitable, and gifted individual who embraced life wholeheartedly and made a positive impact on many people," she remarked.

She also mentioned that he was a wonderfully caring dad to their two sons.

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

"The company stated that Brian was a valued colleague and a dear friend to everyone he collaborated with."

"We are collaborating closely with the New York Police Department and appreciate your patience and support during this challenging moment. Our thoughts are with 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 various leadership positions, including serving as the CEO of the division focused on government programs.

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

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

He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa in 1997.

Mr. Thompson was dealing with accusations of engaging in 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 US Department of Justice.

Authorities were examining if the company breached US antitrust regulations, based on an inquiry revealed in a report by the Wall Street Journal in February.

The BBC has reached out to UnitedHealth for a response.

UnitedHealth is a large corporation that operates in various sectors, including insurance, healthcare services, pharmacy operations, and health information. In 2023, it reported revenues exceeding $371 billion.

Court records reveal that the company has acquired over 35 healthcare businesses in the past decade. Investigators from the Justice Department have been examining whether it exploited its dominant position in the market to stifle competition, ultimately harming both consumers and workers.

According to The Wall Street Journal, officials spoke with representatives from the healthcare sector and inquired about the potential impacts of the company’s acquisitions of medical groups on competitors and patients.

The City of Hollywood Firefighters’ Pension Fund has filed a grievance against Mr. Thompson and several other executives, alleging that they did not inform investors about the ongoing investigation before offloading over $117 million in company shares.

Pension funds, which are long-term investors purchasing significant quantities of shares, frequently act in the best interests of shareholders. In this instance, they have put forward a proposal for a class-action lawsuit against UnitedHealth.

The legal case is still ongoing.

Image credit: Police release

Thompson's assailant ran away into Central Park and is still missing.

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

UnitedHealth proposed acquiring 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 aiming to block the merger, claiming that it would reduce competition and negatively affect patients relying on home health and hospice services, insurers that arrange for these services, and the nurses delivering them.

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

During President Joe Biden's time in office, the Justice Department has increased its efforts to enforce antitrust laws in the United States. These laws are designed to stop monopolies from forming and to promote competition among businesses.