by Kristin Rowan, Editor
United Health CEO in NY for Investor Event
On November 26, UnitedHealth Group announced it would host its annual Investor Conference for analysts and institutional investors in New York City on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The purpose of Investor Day, according to the press release, was to discuss long-term growth priorities and the company’s efforts to advance high-quality health care, including expanding value-based care.
This morning, Wednesday, December 4, 50-year-old Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance unit, arrived in midtown Manhattan in advance of the Investor Conference.
Targeted Attack
Mr. Thompson made his way to the Hilton Hotel for the meeting at approximately 6:45 a.m. The suspect had arrived on foot about five minutes prior. Several people recall passing him as he waited for Thompson to arrive. When Thompson approached the hotel, the suspect stepped from behind a car, approaching Thompson from behind, and fired several rounds. Thompson was struck at least once in the back and once in the leg. Reports state the suspect’s gun malfunctioned after the initial shots before he fired again.
The New York Police Department called it “a brazen, targeted attack.”
I want to be clear at this time, every indication is that this was a pre-meditated, pre-planned, targeted attack. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.
NYPD Officers stand near the entrance of the hotel where Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown, New York City, December 4, 2024.
Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
Emergency Response
NYPD Officers responded to a call that a man had been shot outside the hotel. Officers arrived within 2 minutes of the call. When they arrived, they found Thompson on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services arrived and transported Thompson to Roosevelt Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. ET.
UnitedHealth Group cancelled the Investor Day event immediately after the shooting.
From UHC
Lorie Burleson, Provider Advocate Account Manager at UnitedHealthCare, issued a statement on LinkedIn about the fatal shooting.
“This morning, we learned of the devastating loss of our CEO, Brian Thompson, who was tragically taken from us,” she wrote. “This is an unimaginable loss for UnitedHealth Group and for everyone who knew him.
“To my UHC family, my heart is with each of you during this incredibly difficult time. Let us come together to honor Brian’s legacy and support one another as we navigate this tragedy.”
In a statement Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group said it was “deeply saddened and shocked at the passing” of Thompson. The company called him a “highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.”
About Brian Thompson
According to Daily Mail, Brian Thompson’s annual salary was $10 million. However, several outlets report he exercised more than $20 million worth of stock units in early 2024. Thompson had a net worth close to $43 million, according to multiple outlets.
Brian Thompson, 20 year veteran of UnitedHealthCare, is survived by his wife Paulette Thompson and their two children. Paulette indicated that Brian had received threats related to his job but that it did not deter him from maintaining his travel schedule.
This is an ongoing breaking story and The Rowan Report will continue to follow additional news.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group, which owns Optum, which owns LHC group, is among the nation’s largest healthcare companies and provides health insurance, pharmacy benefits and healthcare services. The company is currently trying to acquire Amedisys as well, but has been held up by DOJ inquiries.
UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 29 million U.S. individuals, according to their website. In 2024, United Healthcare ranked number 8 on the Fortune Global 500, and its parent company, UnitedHealth Group employs 439,000 people, generating $379.5 billion in revenue in 2024, according to Forbes.
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Kristin Rowan has been working at Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report since 2008. She has a master’s degree in business administration and marketing and runs Girard Marketing Group, a multi-faceted boutique marketing firm specializing in event planning, sales, and marketing strategy. She has recently taken on the role of Editor of The Rowan Report and will add her voice to current Home Care topics as well as marketing tips for home care agencies. Connect with Kristin directly kristin@girardmarketinggroup.com or www.girardmarketinggroup.com
©2024 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report. One copy may be printed for personal use: further reproduction by permission only. editor@therowanreport.com