UnitedHealthcare names new boss after former CEO killed

UnitedHealth has appointed a new head nearly two months after its former CEO, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in New York. Company veteran Tim Noel will take over the reins of the largest health insurer in the United States at this crucial time, a company that serves more than 50 million customers.

Mr. Thompson's death on December 4 in downtown Manhattan sparked widespread debate about the functioning of the US healthcare system. Many Americans, who pay more for healthcare than people in any other country, have expressed outrage over what they perceive as unfair treatment by insurance companies.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealth, stated that Mr. Noel "brings unparalleled experience to this role, a strong track record of performance, and a firm commitment to improving how healthcare works for consumers, doctors, employers, governments, and other partners."

Following the shooting in December, police launched a multi-day manhunt to identify who was responsible for the incident that occurred outside the Manhattan hotel where the CEO was staying. Five days later, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was arrested at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania after a worker alerted authorities.

Mr. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the murder. He faces 11 state criminal charges, including murder by a terrorist act. In addition to the state charges, he is also charged with federal counts of stalking and murder, which could carry a death penalty. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Mangione shot Mr. Thompson before fleeing.