Sir Andrew Philip Witty, born on August 22, 1964, is a distinguished British business executive currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UnitedHealth Group since 2021. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is a leading American multinational corporation that focuses on providing health insurance and healthcare services. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company operates under the UnitedHealthcare brand for insurance products and the Optum brand for healthcare services.
Witty graduated from Malbank School, formerly known as Nantwich and Acton Grammar School, located in Nantwich. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nottingham.
In 1985, Sir Andrew Witty began his tenure at GSK, where he eventually rose to the position of CEO after serving as president of GSK Europe. In addition to his role at GSK, Sir Andrew Witty has held the prestigious position of chancellor at the University of Nottingham, a renowned British public research university. He also contributes his expertise as a member of the Singapore Prime Minister’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Council. Furthermore, Sir Andrew Witty serves as an advisor to 8VC, Hatteras Venture Partners, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. [Soci.org]
Sir Andrew Witty was appointed as President of UnitedHealth Group in November 2019, while also serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Optum. Optum, Inc. is a leading American healthcare company that offers a wide range of services including technology solutions, pharmacy care services (including a pharmacy benefit manager), and direct healthcare services.
In his role as President of UnitedHealth Group, Sir Andrew is tasked with developing enterprise business strategies, fostering business development and partnerships, and overseeing research and development as well as clinical capabilities within the organization.
From 2010 to 2015, Witty served on the business advisory board of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron. From 2013 to 2015, Witty served on the UNAIDS–Lancet Commission for Defeating AIDS and Advancing Global Health, which was co-chaired by Joyce Banda, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and Peter Piot. Following this, he was a member of the UN High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines from 2015 to 2016, under the leadership of Ruth Dreifuss and Festus Mogae.
In March 2018, Witty was appointed as the Executive Vice President of UnitedHealth Group and Chief Executive Officer of Optum. He is a member of the Office of the Chief Executive and has previously held the position of company director at UnitedHealth Group.
From April 2020 to December 2020, Witty took a leave of absence from Optum to support the World Health Organization in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. In May 2020, he was appointed to the expert advisory group for the UK Government’s Vaccine Task Force, led by Patrick Vallance.
These accolades are a testament to Witty’s global impact and leadership in the pharmaceutical sector. His innovative strategies and dedication to advancing healthcare have not only benefited the UK economy but have also made a significant impact on a global scale. Being recognized as an Honorary Citizen of Singapore further solidifies his reputation as a respected figure in the international business community. Witty’s achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, showcasing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to improving public health worldwide.
Sir Andrew Witty is married to Caroline Hall. The couple has two children.
FAQ About Sir Andrew Witty
1. Who is Sir Andrew Witty?
Sir Andrew Witty is a British business executive known for his leadership in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He is currently the CEO of UnitedHealth Group and the former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
2. What is Sir Andrew Witty’s background in the pharmaceutical industry?
He spent over 30 years in the pharmaceutical sector, including serving as the CEO of GSK from 2008 to 2017, where he focused on expanding global healthcare access and restructuring the company’s operations.
3. What role did he play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In 2020, Witty took a leave of absence from UnitedHealth Group to serve as a special envoy for the World Health Organization (WHO), helping to accelerate COVID-19 treatments and vaccine distribution efforts.
4. What is his current role?
Since February 2021, Sir Andrew Witty has been the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, overseeing one of the largest healthcare and insurance companies in the world.
5. What recognition has he received for his contributions?
He was knighted in 2012 for services to the economy and the UK pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, he has received the Public Service Medal and Public Service Star from Singapore for his contributions to the country’s healthcare and economic development.
6. Where did Sir Andrew Witty study?
He studied economics at the University of Nottingham, where he later served as Chancellor from 2013 to 2017.
7. What initiatives did he implement at GSK?
During his tenure at GSK, Witty focused on increasing access to medicines in developing countries, reducing drug prices, and shifting the company’s research focus toward vaccines and consumer healthcare.
8. How has he contributed to global health initiatives?
Apart from his work with WHO, he has been actively involved in policies aimed at improving healthcare affordability and innovation, especially in lower-income countries.
9. Has Sir Andrew Witty worked outside the UK?
Yes, he has worked extensively in Asia, including serving as an economic advisor to the governor of Guangzhou, China, and holding leadership positions in Singapore, where he contributed to the country’s economic development.
10. What is his leadership style?
Witty is known for his collaborative and strategic approach, emphasizing long-term innovation, corporate responsibility, and healthcare accessibility.
11. How has he influenced the healthcare industry beyond pharmaceuticals?
As CEO of UnitedHealth Group, he has focused on integrating technology with healthcare services, improving patient access, and expanding data-driven healthcare solutions.
12. What are some lesser-known facts about Sir Andrew Witty?
He was named an Honorary Citizen of Singapore in 2017, one of the country’s highest honors for non-citizens. He also took an unpaid leave from UnitedHealth Group to assist the WHO during the COVID-19 crisis, demonstrating his commitment to public health.
13. What is Sir Andrew Witty’s Salary?
In 2023, he received a total compensation of approximately $23.5 million. This package included a base salary of $1.5 million, a bonus of $1.8 million, stock options valued at $5 million, stock awards worth $15 million, and other compensation totaling $233,852. These figures reflect his role as the highest-paid CEO among U.S.-listed health insurance companies during that period.
14. Why was Sir Andrew Witty knighted?
Sir Andrew Witty was knighted in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to the UK economy and the pharmaceutical industry. His leadership at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) played a significant role in expanding access to medicines in developing countries, promoting ethical business practices, and driving economic growth in the UK.
During his tenure at GSK, Witty focused on reducing drug prices in low-income nations, increasing vaccine production, and investing in research and development. His commitment to making healthcare more accessible and his contributions to the global pharmaceutical industry were key reasons for his knighthood.
