UnitedHealth Group has announced that CEO Andrew Witty is stepping down for personal reasons, effective immediately. Chairman Stephen Hemsley will return as CEO, a position he previously held from 2006 to 2017. Witty will remain with the company as a senior adviser to Hemsley.
This leadership change coincides with UnitedHealth’s decision to suspend its 2025 financial outlook due to higher-than-expected medical costs, particularly among new Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
The company’s shares dropped 8% in premarket trading following the announcement. Despite current challenges, UnitedHealth expects to return to growth in 2026.
Hemsley’s reinstatement is expected to reassure investors, drawing parallels with other companies that have turned to seasoned former leaders during turbulent times.
