Stephen Hemsley has made his return as the CEO of UnitedHealth Group as of May 13, 2025, after serving a period as the company's executive chairman. While there have been rumors surrounding a $25 million investment in company stock, no public records confirm any such transaction by Hemsley. Instead, part of his compensation includes a substantial $60 million awarded in non-qualified stock options set to vest over three years, according to a report by Reuters.
Previously, UnitedHealth Group's CEO in 2024, Andrew Witty, received a significant compensation of $26.3 million, which comprised a base salary of $1.5 million, alongside various stock and option awards. This financial structure reflects the company's approach to rewarding top executives with performance-related incentives.
In light of recent events, notably the passing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, UnitedHealth has taken measures to ensure executive safety by investing approximately $1.7 million in security for its leadership. Such expenditures underline the company's focus on providing a secure environment for its high-ranking executives in times of uncertainty.