UnitedHealth Group announced the surprise exit of CEO Andrew Witty on Tuesday and suspended its 2025 forecast due to surging medical costs, sending its shares down more than 10% premarket.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley, who replaced Andrew Witty, said he has the right strategy in place “for the era ahead.”

The executive earlier caused public outrage when he defended the insurance giant’s practice of denying health care claims.

May 13 (UPI) -- UnitedHealth Group announced Tuesday CEO Andrew Witty will step down, citing "personal reasons." Witty will leave the role of CEO and be replaced by Stephen J. Hemsley, effective immediately.

Por MICHELLE CHAPMANEl director general de UnitedHealth, Andrew Witty, dejará su cargo por razones personales y la aseguradora de salud más grande del país suspendió su

"We are grateful for Andrew's stewardship of UnitedHealth Group, especially during some of the most challenging times any company has ever faced," Hemsley said. "The Board and I have greatly valued his leadership and compassion as chief executive and as a director and wish him and his family the best.