UnitedHealth CEO Steps Down Citing Personal Reasons

The UnitedHealth company announced on Tuesday that its CEO, Andrew Witty, is leaving his position for personal reasons. His resignation comes at a time when the company is facing increasing medical costs and financial challenges, which include a significant cyberattack and recent losses among its leadership.

He will be replaced by former CEO Stephen Hemsley, who has taken over leadership once again. Stephen Hemsley, 72, is an American businessman, the chairman of the health insurance company’s board and its former CEO from 2006 to 2017. Stephen J. Hemsley returned to his prior post on May 13, 2025, after being reappointed as CEO.

Though Witty, who has been in charge for the past four and a half years, is stepping down, but will continue to help Hemsley in small roles as a senior adviser.

Andrew Witty stepped down after UnitedHealth missed its earnings target for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. His time as CEO was also marked by major challenges, including a massive cyberattack that impacted 190 million people, federal scrutiny over how the company billed Medicare, and the tragic shooting of Thompson outside a hotel in New York sparked a strong reaction from the public concerning the health insurance industry, just before a major investor conference.

Despite these difficulties, UnitedHealth says it’s aiming for a return to growth by 2026. “Many of the issues standing in the way of achieving our goals are largely within our control,” said Stephen Hemsley, who is returning as CEO, during a recent investor call.