NEW YORK (PIX11) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown, Manhattan on Wednesday morning, police said.

Thompson ascended to CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021 after previously handling the company’s government programs. He was shot outside the Hilton as he arrived for the UnitedHealth Group Investor Conference.

UnitedHealth Group issued a statement following the shooting.

“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.”

UnitedHealth Group

Among the departments Thompson handled was Medicare & Retirement, the largest business dedicated to the well-being of seniors. He also managed the Community & State Department, which provides Medicaid services to states that care for the economically disadvantaged, the medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded healthcare coverage.

Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 as director of Corporate Development, where he worked on mergers and acquisitions.

After rising to Vice President and Financial Controller of Healthcare Alliance, Thompson was responsible for the company’s financial accounting, procurement, and controls.

Before working for the healthcare giant, Thompson was a manager at PwC for more than six years.