News Briefs: Health Care Industry Mourns Fatal Shooting of UHC CEO Brian Thompson

Dec 05
Dec 05, 2024

Shortly before the start of UnitedHealth Group’s annual Investor Day meeting on Dec. 4, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. As of AIS Health press time, the gunman remained at large after fleeing the scene on foot, then via e-bike. The NYPD, which was offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information, was calling it a targeted attack. “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement posted to its website. “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.” Others in the health care industry expressed shock and sorrow. “We were shocked, devastated, shaken to see the news,” said ATI Advisory’s Allison Rizer in an email to AIS Health, a division of MMIT. “Having had the opportunity to work with [Brian] years ago, I can reflect on how brilliant he was, and how strong a leadership shadow he cast. We are thinking about his family and the broader UHC organization a lot today." Rizer, who is executive vice president with ATI Advisory, previously worked as vice president of policy and strategy with the insurer. “Here at Medica, we were stunned to learn of the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — a visionary leader in the healthcare space,” added Minnesota-based insurer Medica in a statement. “Our condolences go out to all of the employees and long-time colleagues of Brian who are understandably devastated by this senseless act of violence. We know Brian was a respected industry leader not only here in Minnesota but nationwide, a friend, husband and father.” Thompson, 50, was named CEO of UHC in 2021. Previously, he was CEO of the insurer’s government programs including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. Read more
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Lauren Flynn Kelly

Lauren has been covering health business issues since the early 2000s and specializes in in-depth reporting on Medicare Advantage, managed Medicaid and Medicare Part D. She also possesses a deep understanding of the complex world of pharmacy benefit management, having written AIS Health’s Radar on Drug Benefits from 2004 to 2005 and again from 2011 to 2016. In addition to her role as managing editor of Radar on Medicare Advantage, she oversees AIS Health’s publications and manages the health editorial staff. She graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in English.