UnitedHealth Group has named Stephen Hemsley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This change comes following the abrupt resignation of Andrew Witty, who stepped down for personal reasons. Hemsley, who previously led the company from 2006 to 2017 and serves as chairman, now returns to guide UnitedHealth through this transition, according to AP News.
The health insurance giant has recently withdrawn its financial forecast for 2025, citing increasing medical costs attributed to an influx of new Medicare Advantage members. This unexpected move led to a significant 16% drop in the company's share value. These financial challenges are compounded by a series of setbacks, as reported by Reuters, including the tragic murder of executive Brian Thompson in December and a cyberattack that compromised sensitive data.
With Hemsley back at the helm, UnitedHealth aims to tackle these pressing internal issues with renewed urgency. The company has publicly stated its commitment to addressing these challenges and stabilizing its operations in the wake of recent disruptions.