Who was Brian Thompson? UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead in New York hotel – NBC Chicago

UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a popular New York City hotel early Wednesday morning, police said.

Thompson was shot dead shortly before 7 a.m. near the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan by a gunman dressed all in black.

Here’s what we know so far:

What happened

Police said Thompson was shot near the hotel at 1335 Ave of the Americas. Details of the incident were not immediately released.

Thompson was initially taken to a local hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries, sources tell NBC New York.

Police were searching for the gunman, who left the scene on foot and was dressed all in black, authorities said.

It’s not clear what, if anything, led to the shooting.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Thompson, 50, was named CEO of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare in April 2021 after previously leading numerous departments at the company, according to his bio on its website.

He has worked for UnitedHealth Group since 2004.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the country and also manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997.

Statement from UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group Inc., also based in Minnesota. According to a company media report, the company was scheduled to hold its annual meeting with investors on Wednesday morning in New York City.

“I’m afraid that we — some of you may know, we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” UnitedHealth Group officials said during investor day, according to a transcript obtained by CNBC. “For this reason, I am afraid that we will have to bring the event to an end today, as I am sure you will understand.”