UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty is stepping down because the chief government and shall be succeeded by Stephen J. Hemsley, the healthcare big introduced Tuesday.

Witty has stepped down from the put up for “personal reasons” and can now function the senior adviser to Hemsley. 

Hemsley, the corporate’s CEO from 2006-17, may also keep his function because the chair of its board of administrators.

“We are grateful for Andrew’s stewardship of UnitedHealth Group, especially during some of the most challenging times any company has ever faced,” Hemsley mentioned Tuesday in a press release. “The Board and I’ve enormously valued his management and compassion as chief government and as a director and want him and his household one of the best.

“UnitedHealth Group has tremendous opportunities to grow as we continue to help improve health care and to perform to our potential — and, in so doing, return to our long-term growth objective of 13 to 16 percent,” he added.

The corporate was thrust into the highlight late final 12 months after then-CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in Manhattan on his approach to an buyers’ convention. The person accused of killing Thompson is Luigi Mangione, who was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pa., after a five-day search. 

A federal grand jury in New York indicted Mangione final month on 4 counts, together with a firearms cost, stalking and homicide. If convicted of these counts, he can be eligible for the loss of life penalty, a punishment Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi has pushed for. He has pleaded not responsible.

Mangione additionally faces state costs in New York and Pennsylvania associated to the capturing and subsequent manhunt. He has pleaded not responsible in these circumstances as properly.