In a major leadership shift, UnitedHealth Group has announced that Andrew Witty is stepping down as CEO, with former longtime leader Stephen J. Hemsley stepping back into the role effective immediately. The decision was attributed to Witty’s “personal reasons,” according to a company statement released Tuesday.
Hemsley, who previously served as CEO from 2006 to 2017, will continue as chairman of the board while also reassuming the chief executive position. Witty will stay on in a transitional capacity as a senior adviser.
Why the UnitedHealth Leadership Change Now?
This latest UnitedHealth leadership change comes at a challenging time for the healthcare giant. The company is grappling with higher-than-expected costs within its Medicare Advantage programs—prompting it to suspend its financial outlook for the rest of 2025.
Despite a robust Q1 performance with over $6 billion in profit, UnitedHealth recently missed Wall Street expectations due to rising costs tied to senior care. The company had to revise its earlier guidance, reducing its adjusted 2025 earnings forecast and ultimately pulling the forecast altogether on Tuesday.
In a statement, Hemsley expressed confidence in the company’s future, emphasizing “tremendous opportunities to grow” and a renewed commitment to long-term earnings growth of 13% to 16%.
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More Changes at the Top
This isn’t the only executive shift. Just two weeks ago, Dr. Patrick Conway was promoted to CEO of Optum, UnitedHealth’s expansive health services division, which includes Optum Rx and Optum Health. Conway formerly led Optum’s pharmacy benefit management operations.
These changes reflect UnitedHealth’s strategy to streamline leadership while positioning itself for growth beyond 2025. The UnitedHealth leadership change also underscores the significance of experience in navigating evolving healthcare challenges.
What’s Next for UnitedHealth?
Although the 2025 performance outlook has been suspended, the company remains optimistic. It projects a return to growth in 2026, driven by investments in care delivery and benefit diversification across its Medicare Advantage and Optum portfolios.
In a brief farewell, Witty stated, “Leading the people of UnitedHealth Group has been a tremendous honor… they will continue to inspire me.”
