Brian Thompson family: Wife Paulette Thompson says UnitedHealthcare CEO had been receiving threats prior to fatal shooting

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, has revealed that her husband received threats ahead of his shooting. The CEO was shot dead on Wednesday, December 4, outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan.

In an interview with NBC News marking her first words since her husband's death, Paulette Thompson said:

"There had been some threats. Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him. I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children."

Brian Thompson was reportedly shot by an unknown masked assailant while he was on his way to attend the annual meeting of United Insurance at the Hilton Hotel. The killer is believed to have been a white man and fled from the scene on a bicycle.

Thomspon was rushed to the nearby Mt. Sinai Hospital but was later pronounced dead, per the police. No arrests have been made in relation to the death. Crime Stoppers has offered $10,000 for any information.

Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette Thompson, and his two sons. The 50-year-old had taken over as CEO of UnitedHealthcare (the insurance department of the UnitedHealth Group) in April 2021.

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Brian Thompson first joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004

United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot In Midtown Manhattan - Source: Getty

Brian Thompson began his career with UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and worked there for 20 years. Before becoming CEO of the insurance arm, he served as the CFO for various UnitedHealthcare businesses, including Employer and Individual, Community and State, and Medicare and Retirement. He also held roles as financial controller and director in corporate development.

In April 2021, Brian Thompson was appointed as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance wing of the UnitedHealth Group. The official statement of his appointment stated:

"Brian's experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, leading to continued and sustained long-term growth."

According to a disclosure by the company, Thompson earned a compensation of $10.2 million in 2023. In an investor meeting in the same year, the CEO stressed the company's shift to "value-based care" and giving enough compensation to doctors and other healthcare professionals.

As per Brian Thompson's LinkedIn profile, he worked as a certified public accountant at PwC before joining the UnitedHealth Group. He held a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, having graduated in 1997 and recently resided with his family in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

In a statement after Brian Thompson's murder, the UnitedHealthcare Group said:

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

Jacob Frey, the Mayor of Thompson's hometown, Minnesota, called the CEO's death "shocking" in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch. He added that Thompson was a "great man." The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, called his death "a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota."

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Ahead of his murder, Brian Thompson was scheduled to attend the annual meeting of United Insurance at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. The CEO had reached the venue at 6:40 am. The police believe the murder of Thompson was a planned event.

Further investigation into the incident is underway.