UnitedHealthcare has a new CEO, weeks after the former chief executive was murdered.
The nation’s largest health insurance company announced Thursday that executive Tim Noel will become its next chief executive officer. Noel will be playing the role last played by Brian Thompson, who was shot and killed on a New York City street in early December.
A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, was arrested and charged with murder.
Thompson’s killing sparked a nationwide outcry against the U.S. health care system, which includes bill denials and high costs. This country has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, is one of the world’s largest companies, working on nearly every aspect of how Americans access health care.
“The health care system needs to work better,” UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Whitty told investors last week. He added that his company’s mission is “to improve the system for everyone and help people live healthier lives.”
Noel joined UnitedHealth in 2007 and most recently oversaw UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare and Retirement operations.
He brings “unparalleled experience to this role with a proven track record and strong commitment to improving the way health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and other partners.” said in an emailed statement.