Exclusive: UnitedHealth Chief Tells Staff, 'Brian Was One of the Good Guys'

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty addressed his staff about the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a new email on Wednesday, describing the late executive as "one of the good guys."

Witty, who oversees the conglomerate, mourned the death of his colleague and friend in a new message to employees that was obtained by Newsweek.

"Brian was one of the good guys. He was certainly one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I'm going to miss him. And I am incredibly proud to call him my friend," Witty wrote.

Thompson, who was named chief executive of UnitedHealth's insurance division in April 2021, was fatally shot in a December 4 attack while walking into an investor meeting at a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan.

In the wake of the shooting, there has been an outpour of anger towards the insurance industry for denying medical claims, with some going as far as cheering for Thompson's death and arguing that the shooter was justified in his actions.

On Monday, the same day that Thompson was laid to rest in his Minnesota hometown, officials arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as the suspected shooter. He has been charged in both New York and Pennsylvania, where he was found at a McDonald's. Mangione is currently in the process of fighting his extradition to New York.

"Many have said that we're all a little better for knowing Brian. There is no truer statement than that. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carry on his legacy — continuing to do right by the people who've entrusted us with their care and those who are counting on us to take care of their loved ones," Witty said.

"We owe it to Brian to make good on our promise to make health care work better for everybody, in every way," he wrote. "That job never stops."

He encouraged employees to continue to "be there" for its insured, including "moms and dads who brought one of their kids to a clinic this morning," the "sickest and the most vulnerable among us," as well as patients needing screenings, scans and surgeries.

"We're going to make sure medicines are filled, infusions are administered and people can navigate their therapies for the rarest states of disease," Witty wrote, adding, " And we'll be there when people are coming out of the hospital — if only just to hold their hand as they get back on their feet."

"These are the things the people of this company do every day," he said. "Behind all of them are thousands more — making sure claims are paid, calls are handled, questions are answered. And, critically, that it's all done at the highest possible standard of quality. And always — always — upholding the promise we've made to help make health care work better and work better for everyone."

Witty said he was "super proud" to be part of UnitedHealth Group and to have the opportunity to work alongside some of the "most dedicated and truly brilliant people in healthcare." He reminded employees that what they do "really, really matters," adding that even though "these days have been dark, our patients, members, customers are sending us light."

"The same people who were counting on us last week are counting on us today — none of that's changed. Our patients, our customers, partners and clients need us to be at our very best. And then again tomorrow. The day after next. Next week. Next month. Next year," Witty wrote.

He concluded by telling his staff to look after themselves and to be assured that the company would take "every possible precaution" to ensure that employees feel safe and supported.

Update 12/11/24, 6:57 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.