Former UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty Tops US Managed Care Pay List in 2024

Former UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty received an 11.9% pay increase in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid CEOs of U.S.-listed health insurers. Witty's total compensation for 2024 is estimated to be around $6.5 million, placing him at the top of the list.

Former UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty has received an 11.9% pay increase, making him one of the highest-paid CEOs of U.S.-listed health insurers in 2024. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis, Witty's total compensation for 2024 is estimated to be around $6.5 million [1].

The pay increase comes amidst significant leadership changes and market pressures at UnitedHealth Group, the largest healthcare firm in the U.S. by revenue. The company has appointed Wayne S. DeVeydt as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective September 2, 2025. DeVeydt, previously the CEO of Surgery Partners and managing director at Bain Capital, is replacing John F. Rex, who served as CFO since 2016 and will now be a strategic advisor [1].

UnitedHealth Group has faced a challenging financial landscape, with its market value plummeting by over 50% in the past year. The company's recent strategic moves, such as acquiring Amedisys to expand into home healthcare services, indicate a commitment to growth despite the current financial challenges. The company's strong basic metrics, including a 7.8% EBIT margin and a 22.81% return on equity, suggest that the business remains robust [1].

Despite the turmoil, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has injected $1.57 billion into UnitedHealth, boosting investor confidence. The investment, announced on June 30, 2025, saw the company's stock rise by 8.5% in after-hours trading [1]. DeVeydt's experience in improving operations and speeding up growth is seen as crucial in restoring investor trust and navigating the complexities of the healthcare sector.

Following Berkshire's investment, UnitedHealth shares have seen a significant rebound, with some assessments showing increases of over 26% in recent trading sessions. However, technical indicators suggest potential volatility in the near future, with some analysts cautioning against overbought conditions [1].

References:
[1] https://www.fxleaders.com/news/2025/08/18/unitedhealth-group-navigates-turbulent-waters-as-new-cfo-takes-helm/