The new CEO of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare takes the helm of a company whose former leader was killed in December.
MINNETONKA, Minn — UnitedHealthcare has tapped a new CEO following the killing of its former leader in December, bringing to the surface American frustration over health care access.
UnitedHealth Group named Tim Noel to head the health insurance business. Noel most recently served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement unit.
UnitedHealthcare covers more than 49 million people in the United States, the Associated Press reports.
In early December, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot as he walked to the company’s annual investor meeting in mid-town Manhattan. A 26-year-old suspect, Luigi Mangione, faces federal and state charges in connection with Thompson’s death. The shooting gave rise to an outpouring of grievances about insurance companies.
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said “Today we announced Tim Noel will become UnitedHealthcare CEO. Tim joined UnitedHealth Group in 2007, and most recently served as chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. He brings unparalleled experience to this role with a proven track record and strong commitment to improving how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners.”