In keeping with his work biography, Thompson, 50, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and served in senior roles with the corporate’s varied companies earlier than being named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the corporate’s insurance coverage arm, in 2021. Primarily based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, UnitedHealth Group is among the world’s largest firms, rating at No. 8 on Fortune’s International 500 checklist in 2024.
The Related Press experiences that Thompson saved a low profile for his high-level job. He was a College of Iowa alumnus and had began out as a licensed public accountant. Earlier this yr, The Wall Road Journal reported that the Justice Division had opened an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group, wanting into the corporate’s different trade acquisitions. It was later reported by Bloomberg that a number of of the corporate’s executives, together with Thompson, exercised inventory choices and offered shares earlier than the federal inquiry turned public, elevating questions on whether or not the gross sales have been made with prior data of the investigation. UnitedHealth Group’s inventory dropped following the information of the Justice Division probe.
Police mentioned they’re at the moment interviewing Thompson’s household and mates to find out if any threats had been made towards him or if he had any recognized enemies. In an interview with NBC Information, Thompson’s spouse, Paulette, mentioned her husband had obtained threats on account of his work. “There had been some threats,” she mentioned. “Principally, I don’t know, a scarcity of protection? I don’t know particulars. I simply know that he mentioned there have been some people who had been threatening him.”
In an announcement, UnitedHealth Group wrote that they have been “deeply saddened and shocked on the passing of our expensive good friend and colleague.”
“Brian was a extremely revered colleague and good friend to all who labored with him. We’re working intently with the New York Police Division and ask on your endurance and understanding throughout this tough time. Our hearts exit to Brian’s household and all who have been near him,” the assertion learn.
