Sir Andrew Witty to Take Leave of Absence From UnitedHealth Group to Co-lead World Health Organization Efforts to Accelerate ...
April 15 2020 - 5:50AM
Business Wire
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) announced that Sir Andrew Witty,
president of UnitedHealth Group and CEO of Optum, has been asked to
co-lead a global effort of the World Health Organization (WHO), in
partnership with key stakeholders, to accelerate the development of
a COVID-19 vaccine. Witty will be on a leave of absence from
UnitedHealth Group while leading the initiative and will return to
the company at approximately year end.
“Andrew brings the perfect combination of deep global health
expertise, innovation and operating skills and, above all, a
passion for, and considerable success in, developing vaccines to
drive this critical effort,” said David S. Wichmann, chief
executive officer of UnitedHealth Group. “The pride we take in
Andrew’s willingness to serve during this global health crisis is
exceeded only by our confidence in his ability to support the
global vaccine development effort as quickly and effectively as
possible.”
“I am deeply honored to help lead this mission to seek a
COVID-19 vaccine and am confident the people of Optum will remain
relentless in their work to help their customers, communities and
each other each day. I look forward to rejoining them on the other
side of this crisis to continue helping make the health system work
better for everyone,” said Witty.
Witty’s appointment to the position with WHO is effective April
20. During Witty’s temporary assignment, Wichmann will oversee
Optum.
Witty was a member of the UnitedHealth Group Board of Directors
from August 2017 until March 2018, when he became CEO of Optum. He
was named president of UnitedHealth Group in November 2019. Witty
served as CEO and a director of GSK from 2008 until 2017, having
joined the company in 1985. While CEO of GSK, he gained global
recognition for his efforts to develop and expand access to
critically needed vaccines.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health care
company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and
helping make the health system work better for everyone.
UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services
through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides
health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which
provides information and technology-enabled health services. For
more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at
www.unitedhealthgroup.com or follow @UnitedHealthGrp on
Twitter.
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