NEW YORK – Brian Thompson, the CEO of one of the largest health insurance firms in the United States, was relatively unknown to the millions whose lives his decisions shaped. However, Wednesday’s tragic shooting on a Manhattan street, which authorities are treating as a targeted attack, has suddenly placed both him and his company in the public eye.
At the age of 50, Thompson had been leading the health insurance division of UnitedHealth Group Inc. since 2021 and had been with the firm for two decades. Under his guidance, the division provided health coverage to over 49 million Americans. UnitedHealth stands as the foremost provider of Medicare Advantage plans, which are private alternatives to the government-run Medicare program available to individuals aged 65 and older. Additionally, the company offers individual health insurance and manages coverage for numerous employers, as well as state and federally funded Medicaid programs.
The segment overseen by Thompson achieved remarkable financial success, generating a staggering $74 billion in revenue in the last quarter, establishing it as the largest subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, which is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. His remuneration package, totaling $10.2 million annually—comprising salary, bonuses, and stock options—positioned him among the organization’s top executives in terms of compensation.
Despite overseeing such a significant segment in the health insurance industry, Thompson lacked widespread recognition beyond corporate circles. The public association with UnitedHealth Group had often been attributed to Andrew Witty, the company’s CEO, who is a knighthood recipient and has made appearances before Congress as part of his high-profile role. Thompson’s identity did not resonate with the general public, highlighting the often unseen nature of executives in the insurance sector.
