Andrew Witty: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Andrew Witty
| name         = Andrew Witty
| birth_name = Andrew Philip Witty
| birth_name   = Andrew Philip Witty
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|08|22|df=y}}
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1964|8|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = Nantwich, England
| birth_place = [[Nantwich]], England
| nationality = British
| nationality = British
| occupation = Business executive
| occupation   = Business executive
| known_for = CEO of [[UnitedHealth Group]] (2021–2025), CEO of [[GlaxoSmithKline]] (2008–2017)
| known_for   = CEO of [[UnitedHealth Group]] (2021–2025), CEO of [[GlaxoSmithKline]] (2008–2017)
| spouse = Caroline Hall
| spouse       = Caroline Hall
| children = 2
| children     = 2
| awards = [[Knight Bachelor]] (2012)
| education    = [[University of Nottingham]]
| awards       = [[Knight Bachelor]] (2012), Honorary Citizen of [[Singapore]] (2018)
}}
}}


'''Sir Andrew Philip Witty''' (born 22 August 1964) is an English business executive who served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of [[UnitedHealth Group]], the largest health insurance company in the United States, from February 2021 until his abrupt departure in May 2025. Before leading UnitedHealth, Witty spent nearly three decades at British pharmaceutical giant [[GlaxoSmithKline]] (GSK), rising through its international operations to become CEO in 2008, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure at GSK, he pursued a strategy of expanding access to medicines in developing countries and restructuring the company's research and commercial operations. Beyond the corporate world, Witty served as chancellor of the [[University of Nottingham]] from 2013 to 2017 and took a leave of absence from UnitedHealth's Optum division in 2020 to assist the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) in coordinating the global effort to develop a vaccine for [[COVID-19]]. He was knighted in the [[2012 New Year Honours]] for services to the economy and the pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="gazette">{{cite web |title=Supplement to The London Gazette |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/60009/supplement/2 |publisher=The Gazette |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His career traversed two of the world's largest healthcare organisations, placing him at the intersection of pharmaceuticals, health insurance, and public health policy for over three decades.
Sir '''Andrew Philip Witty''' (born 22 August 1964) is an English business executive who served as chief executive officer of [[UnitedHealth Group]], the largest health insurance company in the United States, from February 2021 until his abrupt departure in May 2025. Before leading UnitedHealth, Witty spent nearly three decades at British pharmaceutical company [[GlaxoSmithKline]] (GSK), rising through its international operations to become CEO from 2008 to 2017. During his tenure at GSK, he pursued a strategy of expanding access to medicines in developing countries and navigated the company through a significant bribery scandal in China. Following his departure from GSK, Witty served as president of UnitedHealth's [[Optum]] division before ascending to the top role at the parent company. In 2020, he took a leave of absence from Optum to assist the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) in coordinating efforts to develop a vaccine for [[COVID-19]]. Witty was knighted in the [[2012 New Year Honours]] for services to the pharmaceutical industry and to the economy, and served as chancellor of the [[University of Nottingham]] from 2013 to 2017.<ref name="gazette">{{cite web |title=Supplement to The London Gazette |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/60009/supplement/2 |publisher=The Gazette |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His career spanned leadership roles across two of the world's largest healthcare organisations, positioning him as one of the most prominent figures in the global health industry during the early 21st century.


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Andrew Philip Witty was born on 22 August 1964 in [[Nantwich]], a market town in [[Cheshire]], England.<ref name="forbes-profile">{{cite web |title=Andrew Witty Profile |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127041918/http://people.forbes.com/profile/andrew-witty/37081 |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Details about his family background and upbringing have not been widely documented in public sources. He grew up in England during a period of significant economic and industrial change in the United Kingdom, and he went on to pursue higher education before entering the pharmaceutical industry.
Andrew Philip Witty was born on 22 August 1964 in [[Nantwich]], a market town in [[Cheshire]], England. Details about his family background and upbringing are limited in publicly available sources. He attended the [[University of Nottingham]], where he studied economics, graduating in 1985.<ref name="gsk-bio">{{cite web |title=Andrew Witty Biography |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227123402/http://www.gsk.com/about/bio-witty-cet.htm |publisher=GlaxoSmithKline |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The University of Nottingham would remain an institution with which Witty maintained close ties throughout his career, eventually serving as its chancellor.
 
After completing his degree, Witty joined [[Glaxo plc]] in 1985, beginning what would become a 32-year career with the company and its successors.<ref name="gsk-bio" /> He entered the company at a time when the British pharmaceutical industry was undergoing significant consolidation, and Glaxo was emerging as one of the dominant players in the global market.


== Education ==
== Education ==


Witty studied at the [[University of Nottingham]], where he earned a degree in economics.<ref name="gsk-bio">{{cite web |title=Andrew Witty Biography |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227123402/http://www.gsk.com/about/bio-witty-cet.htm |publisher=GlaxoSmithKline |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His connection to the university remained strong throughout his career, and in 2013 he was appointed chancellor of the University of Nottingham, a ceremonial role he held until 2017.<ref name="nottingham-chancellor">{{cite web |title=Chancellor set to retire |url=https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2017/november/chancellor-set-to-retire.aspx |publisher=University of Nottingham |date=November 2017 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Witty studied economics at the [[University of Nottingham]], graduating with his degree in 1985.<ref name="gsk-bio" /> He maintained a strong relationship with the university throughout his career. In 2013, he was appointed chancellor of the University of Nottingham, a largely ceremonial role that he held until 2017.<ref name="nottingham-chancellor">{{cite web |title=Chancellor set to retire |url=https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2017/november/chancellor-set-to-retire.aspx |publisher=University of Nottingham |date=November 2017 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In this capacity, Witty presided over graduation ceremonies and served as an ambassador for the institution.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== GlaxoSmithKline (1985–2017) ===
=== GlaxoSmithKline (1985–2017) ===


Witty joined [[Glaxo]] in 1985, shortly after completing his university studies, and spent the next three decades rising through the ranks of the company and its successor organisations as it underwent a series of mergers that eventually created [[GlaxoSmithKline]].<ref name="gsk-bio" /> His early career was spent in a variety of international roles. He worked across several markets, gaining extensive experience in the company's global operations. He held positions in Africa and Asia, giving him exposure to healthcare challenges in developing countries, an experience that would later shape his strategic priorities as CEO.<ref name="gsk-bio" />
Witty joined [[Glaxo plc]] in 1985 immediately after graduating from the University of Nottingham.<ref name="gsk-bio" /> Over the following two decades, he held a succession of roles across the company's international operations as Glaxo underwent a series of mergers — first becoming Glaxo Wellcome in 1995 and then GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) following its merger with SmithKline Beecham in 2000. Witty gained extensive experience in emerging markets, serving in various management positions across Africa and Asia.<ref name="gsk-bio" /> His international postings included a period running GSK's operations in South Africa and later in Asia-Pacific, which gave him a perspective on healthcare access in the developing world that would inform his later strategy as CEO.


==== Appointment as CEO ====
==== Appointment as CEO ====


In October 2007, GlaxoSmithKline announced that Witty had been selected to succeed [[Jean-Pierre Garnier]] as CEO, effective May 2008.<ref name="gsk-appointment">{{cite web |title=GSK announces new CEO |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227061710/http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2007/2007_10_08_GSK1128.htm |publisher=GlaxoSmithKline |date=2007-10-08 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The announcement was covered by the ''[[The Times|Times]]'', which profiled Witty as an insider who had spent his entire career at the company.<ref name="times-profile">{{cite news |title=Andrew Witty profile |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article3174802.ece |work=The Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At the time of his appointment, Witty was 43 years old and had been serving as president of GSK's European pharmaceuticals business.<ref name="gsk-appointment" />
In October 2007, GSK announced that Witty had been selected to succeed [[Jean-Pierre Garnier]] as chief executive officer, effective from May 2008.<ref name="gsk-appointment">{{cite web |title=GSK Appoints Andrew Witty as CEO Designate |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227061710/http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2007/2007_10_08_GSK1128.htm |publisher=GlaxoSmithKline |date=8 October 2007 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> At 43, he was considered a relatively young appointment for one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The ''[[The Times|Times]]'' profiled Witty upon his appointment, noting his extensive experience across GSK's global operations.<ref name="times-profile">{{cite news |title=Andrew Witty profile |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article3174802.ece |work=The Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
==== Strategic Direction at GSK ====


Upon taking the helm in 2008, Witty pursued a multi-pronged strategy that included expanding access to medicines in the developing world, restructuring research and development, and diversifying the company's portfolio beyond traditional prescription pharmaceuticals into consumer healthcare and vaccines.
==== Strategy and Global Health Initiatives ====


In February 2009, Witty attracted significant attention when he outlined plans to cut the prices of GSK's medicines in the world's poorest countries. In an interview with ''[[The Guardian]]'', he described a strategy to make patented drugs more affordable in [[least developed countries]], proposing a tiered pricing system that would cap prices at no more than 25 percent of the levels charged in wealthy nations. He also announced that GSK would place patents for certain compounds into a "patent pool" to allow other researchers to build upon them in the search for treatments for neglected tropical diseases.<ref name="guardian-cheap-medicine">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2009-02-13 |title=GlaxoSmithKline pledges cheap medicine for world's poorest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/feb/13/glaxo-smith-kline-cheap-medicine |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> This initiative represented a notable departure from the stance of many large pharmaceutical companies at the time and drew both praise and scrutiny from public health advocates and industry analysts.
Upon taking charge as CEO in 2008, Witty pursued a strategic direction that distinguished him from many of his peers in the pharmaceutical industry. In February 2009, he announced a series of measures aimed at improving access to medicines in developing countries. These included cutting prices of GSK medicines in the poorest countries, reinvesting a proportion of profits made in least-developed countries back into healthcare infrastructure in those nations, and sharing GSK's research into neglected tropical diseases by placing relevant patents into a pool that other researchers could access.<ref name="guardian-cheap">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=13 February 2009 |title=GlaxoSmithKline boss offers cheap medicine to the world's poor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/feb/13/glaxo-smith-kline-cheap-medicine |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The ''Guardian'' reported that Witty described the existing system of intellectual property protection in pharmaceuticals as not working effectively for the developing world.<ref name="guardian-cheap" />


The ''Times'' reported on Witty's broader strategic vision for GSK, which included efforts to reposition the company amid shifting dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry, including patent expirations on key drugs and growing pressure on pricing from governments and health systems.<ref name="times-strategy">{{cite news |title=Andrew Witty strategy |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article6727614.ece |work=The Times |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
These initiatives attracted attention from global health advocates and policymakers, though some industry analysts questioned whether the approach would affect shareholder returns. Investor [[Neil Woodford]], then one of GSK's largest shareholders, publicly criticised the company's strategic direction under Witty's leadership, arguing that the company needed to deliver stronger financial performance.<ref name="woodford">{{cite news |title=Neil Woodford launches fresh attack on GlaxoSmithKline |url=https://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/neil-woodford-launches-fresh-attack-on-glaxosmithkline/ |work=Money Marketing |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== China Bribery Scandal ====
==== China Bribery Scandal ====


One of the most significant challenges Witty faced during his tenure at GSK was a bribery scandal involving the company's operations in China. In 2013, Chinese authorities accused GSK employees of funnelling payments worth up to 3 billion yuan (approximately £300 million) to doctors and hospital officials to boost sales. The allegations led to a formal investigation by Chinese police and resulted in the detention of several GSK employees in the country.
Witty's tenure at GSK was significantly affected by a bribery scandal that emerged in China in 2013. Chinese authorities alleged that GSK employees had funnelled money through travel agencies and other intermediaries to bribe doctors and hospital officials to prescribe GSK products. The scandal resulted in fines and criminal charges against several GSK employees in China.
 
Witty responded publicly to the crisis. According to ''[[The Independent]]'', he stated that the company's UK headquarters had been unaware of the alleged fraudulent activities in China and that he was "deeply concerned" by the allegations.<ref name="independent-china">{{cite news |title=GlaxoSmithKline boss Sir Andrew Witty: UK headquarters knew nothing of China fraud |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/glaxosmithklineboss-sir-andrew-witty-uk-headquarters-knew-nothing-of-china-fraud-8730455.html |work=The Independent |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' reported that Witty was prepared to acknowledge that fraud had taken place within the company's Chinese operations, marking an unusual admission for the CEO of a major multinational corporation.<ref name="telegraph-china">{{cite news |title=GSK chief Andrew Witty set to admit China scam |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/pharmaceuticalsandchemicals/10192032/GSK-chief-Andrew-Witty-set-to-admit-China-scam.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
 
The scandal had lasting repercussions for GSK's operations in China and prompted the company to overhaul its compliance and sales practices in the country and more broadly.
 
==== Investor Criticism and Departure ====


Witty's tenure at GSK was not without criticism from shareholders. Neil Woodford, one of the UK's most prominent fund managers at the time, publicly criticised the company's performance and strategic direction under Witty's leadership.<ref name="woodford-criticism">{{cite news |title=Neil Woodford launches fresh attack on GlaxoSmithKline |url=https://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/neil-woodford-launches-fresh-attack-on-glaxosmithkline/ |work=MoneyMarketing |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Witty publicly addressed the crisis, stating that the alleged corrupt practices were a clear breach of GSK's governance and compliance procedures. In an interview with ''[[The Independent]]'', he stated that GSK's UK headquarters had no prior knowledge of the fraudulent activities taking place in its Chinese operations.<ref name="independent-china">{{cite news |title=GlaxoSmithKline boss Sir Andrew Witty: UK headquarters knew nothing of China fraud |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/glaxosmithklineboss-sir-andrew-witty-uk-headquarters-knew-nothing-of-china-fraud-8730455.html |work=The Independent |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The ''[[The Daily Telegraph|Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Witty was prepared to acknowledge that a scam had occurred within the company's Chinese operations.<ref name="telegraph-china">{{cite news |title=GSK chief Andrew Witty set to admit China scam |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/pharmaceuticalsandchemicals/10192032/GSK-chief-Andrew-Witty-set-to-admit-China-scam.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In March 2016, the [[BBC]] reported on developments at GSK under Witty's leadership as the company continued to navigate a changing pharmaceutical landscape.<ref name="bbc-gsk">{{cite news |title=GlaxoSmithKline report |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35829278 |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> Witty stepped down as CEO of GlaxoSmithKline in 2017, after nearly a decade at the helm. He was succeeded by [[Emma Walmsley]], who became one of the few women to lead a major global pharmaceutical company.
The Chinese authorities ultimately found GSK guilty and imposed a fine of approximately 3 billion yuan (around £300 million). The scandal prompted GSK to overhaul its sales and marketing practices globally, including ending the practice of paying doctors to promote its drugs and delinking sales representative compensation from the number of prescriptions written for GSK products.


=== University of Nottingham Chancellor (2013–2017) ===
==== Departure from GSK ====


In 2013, Witty was appointed chancellor of the [[University of Nottingham]], his alma mater. The role of chancellor is largely ceremonial at British universities, involving duties such as presiding over degree ceremonies and serving as an ambassador for the institution. Witty held the position until 2017, when the university announced that he would be stepping down.<ref name="nottingham-chancellor" /> His appointment reflected his longstanding ties to the university and his prominence in British business.
In March 2016, the [[BBC]] reported that Witty would step down as CEO of GSK in 2017, having led the company for nearly a decade.<ref name="bbc-departure">{{cite news |title=GlaxoSmithKline boss Sir Andrew Witty to step down |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35829278 |work=BBC News |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> He was succeeded by [[Emma Walmsley]], who became the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company. Witty's tenure was characterised by the dual priorities of expanding access to healthcare in developing countries and restructuring GSK's portfolio, including the acquisition of Novartis's vaccines business and the divestiture of GSK's oncology assets to Novartis.


=== UnitedHealth Group (2018–2025) ===
=== UnitedHealth Group (2018–2025) ===


==== Appointment to Optum ====
==== Optum Presidency ====


In 2018, [[Reuters]] reported that UnitedHealth Group had appointed Witty as head of [[Optum]], the company's health services and technology division.<ref name="reuters-optum">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth names former GSK CEO Andrew Witty as Optum head |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-unitedhealth-moves-andrew-witty/unitedhealth-names-former-gsk-ceo-andrew-witty-as-optum-head-idUSKCN1GP1NT |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The appointment marked Witty's entry into the American healthcare market and the health insurance industry, representing a significant shift from his background in pharmaceuticals. Optum, which provides pharmacy benefits, healthcare delivery, and data analytics services, had become an increasingly important part of UnitedHealth Group's overall business.
In March 2018, [[Reuters]] reported that UnitedHealth Group had appointed Witty as president of its [[Optum]] division, the company's health services arm that encompassed pharmacy benefit management, data analytics, and healthcare delivery.<ref name="reuters-optum">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth names former GSK CEO Andrew Witty as Optum head |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-unitedhealth-moves-andrew-witty/unitedhealth-names-former-gsk-ceo-andrew-witty-as-optum-head-idUSKCN1GP1NT |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The appointment marked Witty's transition from the pharmaceutical industry to the American health insurance and services sector. Optum was one of the fastest-growing divisions within UnitedHealth Group, and Witty was charged with continuing its expansion.


==== COVID-19 Vaccine Effort ====
==== COVID-19 Vaccine Work with the WHO ====


In April 2020, Witty took a leave of absence from his role at Optum to assist the [[World Health Organization]] in its efforts to coordinate the global development of a vaccine for [[COVID-19]]. ''Forbes'' reported that Witty would serve in an advisory capacity to the WHO, drawing on his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and global health.<ref name="forbes-who">{{cite web |title=Optum CEO Witty To Take Leave To Join WHO COVID-19 Vaccine Effort |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2020/04/15/optum-ceo-witty-to-take-leave-to-join-who-covid-19-vaccine-effort/ |publisher=Forbes |date=2020-04-15 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The role placed Witty at the centre of one of the most urgent global health challenges in modern history, as governments, pharmaceutical companies, and international organisations raced to develop, manufacture, and distribute vaccines against the novel coronavirus.
In April 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Witty took a temporary leave of absence from his role at Optum to assist the World Health Organization. ''[[Forbes]]'' reported that Witty would work with the WHO to help coordinate global efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.<ref name="forbes-who">{{cite news |last=Japsen |first=Bruce |date=15 April 2020 |title=Optum CEO Witty To Take Leave To Join WHO COVID-19 Vaccine Effort |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2020/04/15/optum-ceo-witty-to-take-leave-to-join-who-covid-19-vaccine-effort/ |work=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> In this capacity, Witty served as a special envoy, working to ensure equitable access to vaccines across both developed and developing nations. The appointment drew upon his longstanding involvement in global health issues, particularly his work at GSK on expanding access to medicines in lower-income countries.


==== CEO of UnitedHealth Group ====
==== CEO of UnitedHealth Group ====


In February 2021, Witty was appointed CEO of UnitedHealth Group, succeeding [[David Wichmann]]. As CEO, Witty oversaw the largest health insurance company in the United States, a sprawling enterprise with operations spanning health insurance (through UnitedHealthcare), pharmacy benefits management, healthcare delivery, and data analytics (through Optum).
In February 2021, Witty was appointed chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group, succeeding [[David Wichmann]] in the role. UnitedHealth Group was the largest health insurance company in the United States by revenue, operating through its UnitedHealthcare insurance division and the Optum health services segment. Under Witty's leadership, the company continued to expand its integrated model of insurance and healthcare delivery, with Optum's physician practices, ambulatory surgery centres, and home health operations growing significantly.
 
Witty's tenure as CEO was marked by several challenges. The company faced increasing scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, and the public regarding its dual role as both an insurer and a provider of healthcare services, which critics argued created conflicts of interest. The company also contended with rising concerns about prior authorisation practices and claim denials across the health insurance industry.


His tenure as CEO of UnitedHealth Group coincided with a period of intense scrutiny of the American health insurance industry. In December 2024, [[Brian Thompson]], the CEO of UnitedHealthcare — the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group — was fatally shot in [[New York City]], an event that drew significant public attention to the company and to broader public frustrations with the health insurance industry.<ref name="axios-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty leaves "for personal reasons" |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-brian-thompson |work=Axios |date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In December 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO [[Brian Thompson]] was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City, an event that sent shockwaves through the company and the broader healthcare industry.<ref name="axios-witty">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty leaves "for personal reasons" |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-brian-thompson |work=Axios |date=13 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The incident intensified public debate about the health insurance industry and focused renewed attention on UnitedHealth Group.


==== Departure from UnitedHealth Group ====
==== Departure from UnitedHealth Group ====


On 13 May 2025, UnitedHealth Group announced that Witty was stepping down as CEO, effective immediately, citing "personal reasons."<ref name="cnn-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO steps down for 'personal reasons' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/13/business/unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-for-personal-reasons |work=CNN |date=2025-05-14 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends annual forecast |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down.html |work=CNBC |date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The departure was widely described as abrupt and came during a turbulent period for the company.
On 13 May 2025, UnitedHealth Group announced that Witty was stepping down as CEO effective immediately, citing "personal reasons."<ref name="cnn-stepdown">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO steps down for 'personal reasons' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/13/business/unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-for-personal-reasons |work=CNN |date=14 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref><ref name="cnbc-stepdown">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends annual forecast |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down.html |work=CNBC |date=13 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> The departure was widely described as abrupt by media outlets. Simultaneously, the company suspended its financial outlook for 2025, further unsettling investors.<ref name="fierce-stepdown">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends 2025 outlook |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-group-suspends-2025-outlook-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down |work=Fierce Healthcare |date=13 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


Simultaneously with the announcement of Witty's departure, UnitedHealth Group suspended its financial forecast for 2025, a move that sent the company's shares lower.<ref name="cnbc-departure" /><ref name="fierce-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends 2025 outlook |url=https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-group-suspends-2025-outlook-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down |work=Fierce Healthcare |date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> [[Stephen Hemsley]], the chairman of UnitedHealth's board and a former CEO of the company, was named as Witty's replacement.<ref name="healthcaredive-departure">{{cite news |title=Andrew Witty steps down as UnitedHealth CEO |url=https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/andrew-witty-unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-hemsley/747945/ |work=Healthcare Dive |date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
Witty was replaced by [[Stephen Hemsley]], the chairman of UnitedHealth's board and a former chief executive of the company, who returned to the CEO role on an interim basis.<ref name="healthcaredive-stepdown">{{cite news |title=Andrew Witty steps down as UnitedHealth CEO |url=https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/andrew-witty-unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-hemsley/747945/ |work=Healthcare Dive |date=13 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> [[NPR]] described the leadership transition as deepening what had already been a difficult period for the company, which was contending with multiple operational, regulatory, and reputational challenges.<ref name="npr-replace">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5396614/unitedhealth-group-terrible-year-replaces-ceo-andrew-witty |work=NPR |date=13 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


[[NPR]] described the leadership change as deepening "a terrible year" for UnitedHealth Group, noting the cascading challenges the company faced including the aftermath of the Thompson killing, regulatory scrutiny, and financial pressures.<ref name="npr-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5396614/unitedhealth-group-terrible-year-replaces-ceo-andrew-witty |work=NPR |date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> ''Pharmaphorum'' reported that Witty had resigned and that the company had pulled its financial forecasts for the year.<ref name="pharmaphorum-departure">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty steps down |url=https://pharmaphorum.com/news/unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down |work=Pharmaphorum |date=2025-05-14 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
''[[Pharmaphorum]]'' reported that Witty resigned as the company pulled its financial forecasts, linking the leadership change to a period of broader instability at UnitedHealth Group.<ref name="pharmaphorum-stepdown">{{cite news |title=UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty steps down |url=https://pharmaphorum.com/news/unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down |work=Pharmaphorum |date=14 May 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


==== Compensation ====
Following his departure, reporting by ''[[Seeking Alpha]]'' indicated that Witty's compensation in 2024 had placed him at the top of the pay list among US managed care executives.<ref name="seekingalpha-pay">{{cite news |title=Former UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty topped US managed care pay list in 2024 |url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/4487734-former-unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-topped-us-managed-care-pay-list-in-2024 |work=Seeking Alpha |date=21 August 2025 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


In August 2025, ''[[Seeking Alpha]]'' reported that Witty had topped the list of executive compensation among US managed care companies for the year 2024, his final full year as CEO of UnitedHealth Group.<ref name="seekingalpha-pay">{{cite news |title=Former UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty topped US managed care pay list in 2024 |url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/4487734-former-unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-topped-us-managed-care-pay-list-in-2024 |work=Seeking Alpha |date=2025-08-21 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
== Personal Life ==


== Personal Life ==
Witty is married to Caroline Hall, and the couple have two children.<ref name="gsk-bio" /> He has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career.


Andrew Witty is married to Caroline Hall, and the couple have two children.<ref name="forbes-profile" /> He maintains a relatively private personal life compared to the public prominence of his professional roles.
Witty has been associated with several non-profit and academic institutions beyond his corporate roles. His appointment as chancellor of the University of Nottingham reflected his long-standing connection to the institution where he studied.<ref name="nottingham-chancellor" /> He stepped down from the chancellorship in 2017, coinciding with his departure from GSK.<ref name="nottingham-chancellor" />


Witty received a number of international honours during his career. In 2018, the government of [[Singapore]] conferred the Honorary Citizen Award upon him, recognising his contributions to the city-state, where GSK maintained significant operations.<ref name="singapore-award">{{cite web |title=Investiture of the Honorary Citizen Award |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20180626001/Investiture%20of%20The%20Honorary%20Citizen%20Award%20-%20Media%20Release.pdf |publisher=National Archives of Singapore |date=2018-06-26 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>
In 2018, Witty was conferred the Honorary Citizen Award by the Government of Singapore, in recognition of his contributions to the country during his time leading GSK's operations in the Asia-Pacific region.<ref name="singapore-award">{{cite web |title=Investiture of The Honorary Citizen Award – Media Release |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20180626001/Investiture%20of%20The%20Honorary%20Citizen%20Award%20-%20Media%20Release.pdf |publisher=National Archives of Singapore |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Witty was knighted in the [[2012 New Year Honours]] as a [[Knight Bachelor]] for services to the UK economy and the pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="gazette" /> The honour reflected his role in leading one of Britain's largest companies and his efforts to expand access to medicines in developing countries during his time at GlaxoSmithKline.
Witty received a [[Knight Bachelor|knighthood]] in the [[2012 New Year Honours]] for services to the UK economy and the pharmaceutical industry, entitling him to use the title "Sir."<ref name="gazette" /> The honour recognised his leadership of GSK and his work on expanding access to medicines in developing countries.


In 2018, the government of Singapore bestowed the Honorary Citizen Award on Witty, one of the country's highest honours for foreign nationals, in recognition of his contributions to Singapore's pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.<ref name="singapore-award" />
In 2018, the Government of Singapore conferred upon Witty the Honorary Citizen Award, one of Singapore's highest distinctions for foreign nationals. The award recognised his significant contributions to Singapore during his career, particularly through GSK's operations and investments in the country.<ref name="singapore-award" />


His profile was included in ''Forbes'' listings of major business leaders, reflecting his prominence in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.<ref name="forbes-profile" /> Throughout his career, Witty appeared on various lists and rankings of influential business executives, and his strategic decisions at both GSK and UnitedHealth Group attracted sustained media coverage from outlets including the ''BBC'', ''The Guardian'', ''The Times'', ''Reuters'', ''CNBC'', ''CNN'', and ''NPR''.
Throughout his career at GSK, Witty was profiled by ''[[Forbes]]'' as one of the notable executives in the global pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="forbes-profile">{{cite web |title=Andrew Witty Profile |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127041918/http://people.forbes.com/profile/andrew-witty/37081 |publisher=Forbes |access-date=2026-02-23}}</ref> His initiatives on drug pricing in developing countries attracted attention from global health organisations and media outlets, including ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref name="guardian-cheap" />


His involvement with the World Health Organization's COVID-19 vaccine effort in 2020 brought additional public attention to Witty's role in global health, placing him among a small group of private-sector leaders who contributed directly to the international pandemic response.<ref name="forbes-who" />
His role in assisting the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional public recognition, particularly for his work in coordinating vaccine development and distribution efforts at a time of global crisis.<ref name="forbes-who" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Andrew Witty's career spanned two of the world's largest and most consequential healthcare organisations. At GlaxoSmithKline, he led the company through a period of significant strategic transformation, including initiatives to expand access to medicines in low-income countries that drew attention from public health advocates and the broader pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="guardian-cheap-medicine" /> His pricing and patent-sharing proposals represented a departure from prevailing industry norms at the time, although the company also faced significant challenges during his tenure, including the China bribery scandal and criticism from major shareholders.<ref name="independent-china" /><ref name="woodford-criticism" />
Witty's career encompassed leadership of two of the largest organisations in the global healthcare sector — GlaxoSmithKline and UnitedHealth Group — over a period spanning four decades. His tenure at GSK was notable for the introduction of policies aimed at improving access to medicines in developing countries, including tiered pricing structures and patent-sharing initiatives for neglected tropical diseases.<ref name="guardian-cheap" /> These measures represented a departure from prevailing industry norms at the time and influenced subsequent debates about pharmaceutical pricing and intellectual property in global health.


At UnitedHealth Group, Witty led the company through a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, growing public debate about the role and practices of health insurance companies in the United States, and the killing of the company's insurance division CEO in 2024.<ref name="axios-departure" /> His departure in May 2025 came during what multiple news organisations described as one of the most challenging periods in the company's history.<ref name="npr-departure" />
The China bribery scandal, however, represented a significant challenge to GSK's reputation during Witty's tenure, and led to fundamental changes in how the company approached sales and marketing practices worldwide.<ref name="independent-china" /><ref name="telegraph-china" /> The reforms GSK implemented in response — including ending payments to physicians for promoting products — were subsequently adopted or considered by other pharmaceutical companies.


Witty's transition from British pharmaceuticals to American health insurance illustrated the increasingly globalised nature of healthcare leadership in the 21st century. His willingness to take a leave of absence to assist the WHO during the pandemic reflected a model of public-private cooperation that characterised parts of the global COVID-19 response.<ref name="forbes-who" />
At UnitedHealth Group, Witty oversaw a period of continued growth for the company, which expanded its Optum health services division under his leadership. His departure in May 2025 came during a period of intense scrutiny for the American health insurance industry, following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 and mounting regulatory and public pressure on insurers regarding their business practices.<ref name="npr-replace" /><ref name="axios-witty" />
 
Witty's temporary assignment with the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic marked an unusual step for a sitting corporate executive, reflecting his long-standing engagement with global health policy issues that had characterised his career since his early years managing GSK's operations in Africa and other developing regions.<ref name="forbes-who" />


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 04:33, 24 February 2026


Andrew Witty
BornAndrew Philip Witty
22 8, 1964
BirthplaceNantwich, England
NationalityBritish
OccupationBusiness executive
Known forCEO of UnitedHealth Group (2021–2025), CEO of GlaxoSmithKline (2008–2017)
EducationUniversity of Nottingham
Spouse(s)Caroline Hall
Children2
AwardsKnight Bachelor (2012), Honorary Citizen of Singapore (2018)

Sir Andrew Philip Witty (born 22 August 1964) is an English business executive who served as chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurance company in the United States, from February 2021 until his abrupt departure in May 2025. Before leading UnitedHealth, Witty spent nearly three decades at British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), rising through its international operations to become CEO from 2008 to 2017. During his tenure at GSK, he pursued a strategy of expanding access to medicines in developing countries and navigated the company through a significant bribery scandal in China. Following his departure from GSK, Witty served as president of UnitedHealth's Optum division before ascending to the top role at the parent company. In 2020, he took a leave of absence from Optum to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in coordinating efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Witty was knighted in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to the pharmaceutical industry and to the economy, and served as chancellor of the University of Nottingham from 2013 to 2017.[1] His career spanned leadership roles across two of the world's largest healthcare organisations, positioning him as one of the most prominent figures in the global health industry during the early 21st century.

Early Life

Andrew Philip Witty was born on 22 August 1964 in Nantwich, a market town in Cheshire, England. Details about his family background and upbringing are limited in publicly available sources. He attended the University of Nottingham, where he studied economics, graduating in 1985.[2] The University of Nottingham would remain an institution with which Witty maintained close ties throughout his career, eventually serving as its chancellor.

After completing his degree, Witty joined Glaxo plc in 1985, beginning what would become a 32-year career with the company and its successors.[2] He entered the company at a time when the British pharmaceutical industry was undergoing significant consolidation, and Glaxo was emerging as one of the dominant players in the global market.

Education

Witty studied economics at the University of Nottingham, graduating with his degree in 1985.[2] He maintained a strong relationship with the university throughout his career. In 2013, he was appointed chancellor of the University of Nottingham, a largely ceremonial role that he held until 2017.[3] In this capacity, Witty presided over graduation ceremonies and served as an ambassador for the institution.

Career

GlaxoSmithKline (1985–2017)

Witty joined Glaxo plc in 1985 immediately after graduating from the University of Nottingham.[2] Over the following two decades, he held a succession of roles across the company's international operations as Glaxo underwent a series of mergers — first becoming Glaxo Wellcome in 1995 and then GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) following its merger with SmithKline Beecham in 2000. Witty gained extensive experience in emerging markets, serving in various management positions across Africa and Asia.[2] His international postings included a period running GSK's operations in South Africa and later in Asia-Pacific, which gave him a perspective on healthcare access in the developing world that would inform his later strategy as CEO.

Appointment as CEO

In October 2007, GSK announced that Witty had been selected to succeed Jean-Pierre Garnier as chief executive officer, effective from May 2008.[4] At 43, he was considered a relatively young appointment for one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The Times profiled Witty upon his appointment, noting his extensive experience across GSK's global operations.[5]

Strategy and Global Health Initiatives

Upon taking charge as CEO in 2008, Witty pursued a strategic direction that distinguished him from many of his peers in the pharmaceutical industry. In February 2009, he announced a series of measures aimed at improving access to medicines in developing countries. These included cutting prices of GSK medicines in the poorest countries, reinvesting a proportion of profits made in least-developed countries back into healthcare infrastructure in those nations, and sharing GSK's research into neglected tropical diseases by placing relevant patents into a pool that other researchers could access.[6] The Guardian reported that Witty described the existing system of intellectual property protection in pharmaceuticals as not working effectively for the developing world.[6]

These initiatives attracted attention from global health advocates and policymakers, though some industry analysts questioned whether the approach would affect shareholder returns. Investor Neil Woodford, then one of GSK's largest shareholders, publicly criticised the company's strategic direction under Witty's leadership, arguing that the company needed to deliver stronger financial performance.[7]

China Bribery Scandal

Witty's tenure at GSK was significantly affected by a bribery scandal that emerged in China in 2013. Chinese authorities alleged that GSK employees had funnelled money through travel agencies and other intermediaries to bribe doctors and hospital officials to prescribe GSK products. The scandal resulted in fines and criminal charges against several GSK employees in China.

Witty publicly addressed the crisis, stating that the alleged corrupt practices were a clear breach of GSK's governance and compliance procedures. In an interview with The Independent, he stated that GSK's UK headquarters had no prior knowledge of the fraudulent activities taking place in its Chinese operations.[8] The Daily Telegraph reported that Witty was prepared to acknowledge that a scam had occurred within the company's Chinese operations.[9]

The Chinese authorities ultimately found GSK guilty and imposed a fine of approximately 3 billion yuan (around £300 million). The scandal prompted GSK to overhaul its sales and marketing practices globally, including ending the practice of paying doctors to promote its drugs and delinking sales representative compensation from the number of prescriptions written for GSK products.

Departure from GSK

In March 2016, the BBC reported that Witty would step down as CEO of GSK in 2017, having led the company for nearly a decade.[10] He was succeeded by Emma Walmsley, who became the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company. Witty's tenure was characterised by the dual priorities of expanding access to healthcare in developing countries and restructuring GSK's portfolio, including the acquisition of Novartis's vaccines business and the divestiture of GSK's oncology assets to Novartis.

UnitedHealth Group (2018–2025)

Optum Presidency

In March 2018, Reuters reported that UnitedHealth Group had appointed Witty as president of its Optum division, the company's health services arm that encompassed pharmacy benefit management, data analytics, and healthcare delivery.[11] The appointment marked Witty's transition from the pharmaceutical industry to the American health insurance and services sector. Optum was one of the fastest-growing divisions within UnitedHealth Group, and Witty was charged with continuing its expansion.

COVID-19 Vaccine Work with the WHO

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Witty took a temporary leave of absence from his role at Optum to assist the World Health Organization. Forbes reported that Witty would work with the WHO to help coordinate global efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.[12] In this capacity, Witty served as a special envoy, working to ensure equitable access to vaccines across both developed and developing nations. The appointment drew upon his longstanding involvement in global health issues, particularly his work at GSK on expanding access to medicines in lower-income countries.

CEO of UnitedHealth Group

In February 2021, Witty was appointed chief executive officer of UnitedHealth Group, succeeding David Wichmann in the role. UnitedHealth Group was the largest health insurance company in the United States by revenue, operating through its UnitedHealthcare insurance division and the Optum health services segment. Under Witty's leadership, the company continued to expand its integrated model of insurance and healthcare delivery, with Optum's physician practices, ambulatory surgery centres, and home health operations growing significantly.

Witty's tenure as CEO was marked by several challenges. The company faced increasing scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, and the public regarding its dual role as both an insurer and a provider of healthcare services, which critics argued created conflicts of interest. The company also contended with rising concerns about prior authorisation practices and claim denials across the health insurance industry.

In December 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City, an event that sent shockwaves through the company and the broader healthcare industry.[13] The incident intensified public debate about the health insurance industry and focused renewed attention on UnitedHealth Group.

Departure from UnitedHealth Group

On 13 May 2025, UnitedHealth Group announced that Witty was stepping down as CEO effective immediately, citing "personal reasons."[14][15] The departure was widely described as abrupt by media outlets. Simultaneously, the company suspended its financial outlook for 2025, further unsettling investors.[16]

Witty was replaced by Stephen Hemsley, the chairman of UnitedHealth's board and a former chief executive of the company, who returned to the CEO role on an interim basis.[17] NPR described the leadership transition as deepening what had already been a difficult period for the company, which was contending with multiple operational, regulatory, and reputational challenges.[18]

Pharmaphorum reported that Witty resigned as the company pulled its financial forecasts, linking the leadership change to a period of broader instability at UnitedHealth Group.[19]

Following his departure, reporting by Seeking Alpha indicated that Witty's compensation in 2024 had placed him at the top of the pay list among US managed care executives.[20]

Personal Life

Witty is married to Caroline Hall, and the couple have two children.[2] He has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his career.

Witty has been associated with several non-profit and academic institutions beyond his corporate roles. His appointment as chancellor of the University of Nottingham reflected his long-standing connection to the institution where he studied.[3] He stepped down from the chancellorship in 2017, coinciding with his departure from GSK.[3]

In 2018, Witty was conferred the Honorary Citizen Award by the Government of Singapore, in recognition of his contributions to the country during his time leading GSK's operations in the Asia-Pacific region.[21]

Recognition

Witty received a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to the UK economy and the pharmaceutical industry, entitling him to use the title "Sir."[1] The honour recognised his leadership of GSK and his work on expanding access to medicines in developing countries.

In 2018, the Government of Singapore conferred upon Witty the Honorary Citizen Award, one of Singapore's highest distinctions for foreign nationals. The award recognised his significant contributions to Singapore during his career, particularly through GSK's operations and investments in the country.[21]

Throughout his career at GSK, Witty was profiled by Forbes as one of the notable executives in the global pharmaceutical industry.[22] His initiatives on drug pricing in developing countries attracted attention from global health organisations and media outlets, including The Guardian.[6]

His role in assisting the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional public recognition, particularly for his work in coordinating vaccine development and distribution efforts at a time of global crisis.[12]

Legacy

Witty's career encompassed leadership of two of the largest organisations in the global healthcare sector — GlaxoSmithKline and UnitedHealth Group — over a period spanning four decades. His tenure at GSK was notable for the introduction of policies aimed at improving access to medicines in developing countries, including tiered pricing structures and patent-sharing initiatives for neglected tropical diseases.[6] These measures represented a departure from prevailing industry norms at the time and influenced subsequent debates about pharmaceutical pricing and intellectual property in global health.

The China bribery scandal, however, represented a significant challenge to GSK's reputation during Witty's tenure, and led to fundamental changes in how the company approached sales and marketing practices worldwide.[8][9] The reforms GSK implemented in response — including ending payments to physicians for promoting products — were subsequently adopted or considered by other pharmaceutical companies.

At UnitedHealth Group, Witty oversaw a period of continued growth for the company, which expanded its Optum health services division under his leadership. His departure in May 2025 came during a period of intense scrutiny for the American health insurance industry, following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 and mounting regulatory and public pressure on insurers regarding their business practices.[18][13]

Witty's temporary assignment with the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic marked an unusual step for a sitting corporate executive, reflecting his long-standing engagement with global health policy issues that had characterised his career since his early years managing GSK's operations in Africa and other developing regions.[12]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Supplement to The London Gazette".The Gazette.https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/60009/supplement/2.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Andrew Witty Biography".GlaxoSmithKline.https://web.archive.org/web/20101227123402/http://www.gsk.com/about/bio-witty-cet.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Chancellor set to retire".University of Nottingham.November 2017.https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2017/november/chancellor-set-to-retire.aspx.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  4. ↑ "GSK Appoints Andrew Witty as CEO Designate".GlaxoSmithKline.8 October 2007.https://web.archive.org/web/20101227061710/http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2007/2007_10_08_GSK1128.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Andrew Witty profile".The Times.http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article3174802.ece.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "GlaxoSmithKline boss offers cheap medicine to the world's poor".The Guardian.13 February 2009.https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/feb/13/glaxo-smith-kline-cheap-medicine.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  7. ↑ "Neil Woodford launches fresh attack on GlaxoSmithKline".Money Marketing.https://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/neil-woodford-launches-fresh-attack-on-glaxosmithkline/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "GlaxoSmithKline boss Sir Andrew Witty: UK headquarters knew nothing of China fraud".The Independent.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/glaxosmithklineboss-sir-andrew-witty-uk-headquarters-knew-nothing-of-china-fraud-8730455.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "GSK chief Andrew Witty set to admit China scam".The Daily Telegraph.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/pharmaceuticalsandchemicals/10192032/GSK-chief-Andrew-Witty-set-to-admit-China-scam.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  10. ↑ "GlaxoSmithKline boss Sir Andrew Witty to step down".BBC News.31 March 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35829278.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  11. ↑ "UnitedHealth names former GSK CEO Andrew Witty as Optum head".Reuters.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-unitedhealth-moves-andrew-witty/unitedhealth-names-former-gsk-ceo-andrew-witty-as-optum-head-idUSKCN1GP1NT.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 JapsenBruceBruce"Optum CEO Witty To Take Leave To Join WHO COVID-19 Vaccine Effort".Forbes.15 April 2020.https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2020/04/15/optum-ceo-witty-to-take-leave-to-join-who-covid-19-vaccine-effort/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty leaves "for personal reasons"".Axios.13 May 2025.https://www.axios.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-brian-thompson.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  14. ↑ "UnitedHealth CEO steps down for 'personal reasons'".CNN.14 May 2025.https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/13/business/unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-for-personal-reasons.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  15. ↑ "UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends annual forecast".CNBC.13 May 2025.https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/13/unitedhealth-group-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down.html.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  16. ↑ "UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down, company suspends 2025 outlook".Fierce Healthcare.13 May 2025.https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-group-suspends-2025-outlook-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  17. ↑ "Andrew Witty steps down as UnitedHealth CEO".Healthcare Dive.13 May 2025.https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/andrew-witty-unitedhealth-ceo-steps-down-hemsley/747945/.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "UnitedHealth Group abruptly replaces CEO Andrew Witty, deepening a terrible year".NPR.13 May 2025.https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5396614/unitedhealth-group-terrible-year-replaces-ceo-andrew-witty.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  19. ↑ "UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty steps down".Pharmaphorum.14 May 2025.https://pharmaphorum.com/news/unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-steps-down.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  20. ↑ "Former UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty topped US managed care pay list in 2024".Seeking Alpha.21 August 2025.https://seekingalpha.com/news/4487734-former-unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-topped-us-managed-care-pay-list-in-2024.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Investiture of The Honorary Citizen Award – Media Release".National Archives of Singapore.26 June 2018.https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20180626001/Investiture%20of%20The%20Honorary%20Citizen%20Award%20-%20Media%20Release.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  22. ↑ "Andrew Witty Profile".Forbes.https://web.archive.org/web/20101127041918/http://people.forbes.com/profile/andrew-witty/37081.Retrieved 2026-02-23.

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