UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Search: Is a New Listing Out After Thompson’s Passing?

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare—one of America’s largest health insurers—was shot and killed by a masked assailant just outside a Manhattan hotel, where the company hosted its investor conference on December 4. As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue their search for the suspect.

Then came the uproar. A viral TikTok rocketed across the internet, alleging that UnitedHealthcare had swiftly posted a LinkedIn job listing for a new CEO within 24 hours of Thompson’s untimely death.

This purported job advertisement claimed to offer a full-time, remote position based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, boasting an eye-catching salary range of $300,000 to $450,000. Another viral TikTok echoed these claims, stating that the same listing appeared on Indeed.

As the video spread like wildfire, viewers were left questioning: Did UnitedHealthcare truly post a job listing for a new CEO just after this horrific event?

Did UnitedHealthcare post a job listing for a new CEO the day following Brian Thompson’s death?

No, UnitedHealthcare did not post a job listing for a new CEO the day after Brian Thompson’s tragic passing.

Investigations reveal that UnitedHealthcare did not publish a job listing for a new CEO shortly after Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, despite claims made by two viral TikToks.

As the largest subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, UnitedHealthcare mourns the loss of Thompson, who dedicated two decades to the organization and took the helm as CEO in April 2021 after overseeing their Medicare and retirement divisions.

On December 6, a thorough search of the latest job listings on UnitedHealthcare’s LinkedIn and Indeed profiles showed no postings for a new CEO shortly after Thompson’s death. Further investigation confirmed that no such position was listed on UnitedHealth Group’s official careers website.

Moreover, the salary range advertised in the viral TikTok is drastically lower than Thompson’s actual compensation package.

In 2023, Thompson’s total earnings, including salary, bonuses, and stock options, reached an impressive $10.2 million, positioning him among the company’s top executives.

Industry experts, like Peter Deragon from Stanton Chase, indicate that companies typically do not hire CEOs through platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. Instead, high-level executives are often approached directly by firms in search of leadership talent.

Liz Ryan, a leading career coach, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that executives do not land new roles through traditional job applications.

As of now, we reached out to UnitedHealthcare for a statement, but have yet to receive a response.

Some elements of this report were informed by additional sources.