The recent departure of UnitedHealth Group’s finance chief Roger Connor from the Optum unit marks a significant management shake-up within the healthcare giant. Connor, who only held the position for six months, will leave his role effective immediately to return to the UK.
Management Changes at UnitedHealth Optum
Connor’s exit comes amidst ongoing efforts by UnitedHealth CEO Stephen Hemsley to revitalize the company following a series of challenges.
Background on Recent Challenges
This includes the company’s first earnings miss in over a decade during the first quarter. Additionally, Andrew Witty stepped down unexpectedly as CEO in May.
New Appointment
Ben Eklo, a seasoned finance executive within the company, will take over as the new CFO for Optum starting November 1. Eklo has been with UnitedHealth for an extended period and is expected to bring stability to the financial operations.
About the Optum Unit
- The Optum segment encompasses a diverse range of services including:
- Pharmacy benefits
- Medical clinics
- In-home care programs
- Data and technology solutions
Further management changes include Wayne DeVeydt’s recent appointment as chief financial officer and Patrick Conway taking on the role of CEO for Optum. These strategic appointments aim to reinforce leadership and guide the company through challenging times.
As these transitions unfold, the focus remains on strengthening the operational capabilities of UnitedHealth’s diverse healthcare offerings.
