Grief-stricken UnitedHealthcare employees paid tribute to Brian Thompson after the 50-year-old CEO was shot outside a Manhattan hotel by a masked gunman early Wednesday.
Thompson, known simply as “BT” to his colleagues, appeared to be universally praised by his employees and co-workers. A 20-year company veteran, he was chief of UnitedHealth’s global employer, individual, specialty and government benefits businesses.
Betuchy Galeano, a Florida-based UnitedHealth employee, said the top executive was “a truly remarkable person” who was “so humble, kind, cheerful, and full of life.”
“He had a way of making everyone feel valued, and his positivity was contagious,” Galeano wrote on her Facebook page.
“This is a profoundly sad moment for me and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. RIP my friend, you will be missed.”
Medical coder Victoria Claire of Pulaski, Wis., said that “a bright light was extinguished today” with Thompson’s killing.
“BT was always fighting for the employees and members, making sure everyone understood the importance of compassion and appreciation,” she wrote. “Rest peacefully, BT, you will be missed.”
Co-worker Kelly Kamish, a UnitedHealth project manager, praised Thompson as “a great leader and even better man.”
“My heart breaks for his family, friends, and colleagues,” she added. “We are lucky to have had an opportunity to know and work with him.”
Meanwhile, Monica Moore of Roanoke, Va., sent her “deepest condolences to the family of our UHC CEO, Brian Thompson.”
“He was such a humble person when we met and will truly be missed,” she added. “Rest Well, BT!”
Antonio Toft, a vice president for HR and diversity at UnitedHealthcare, wrote on LinkedIn that Thompson was not only a remarkable leader but also “a cherished friend and mentor to many of us.”
“This devastating news has sent shockwaves through my body and undoubtedly through the entire community, leaving us with so many unanswered questions,” Toft wrote in a post on the networking website.
“As we navigate this difficult time, let us remember the incredible contributions he made and the positive influence he had on our lives,” he added.
