UnitedHealth Group’s highest-paid executive in 2025 was CEO Stephen Hemsley, bringing in nearly $61 million.
Executive transition was a key part of 2025 for the company. Mr. Hemsley took back the helm following Andrew Witty’s tenure. Mr. Hemsley’s executive compensation package included a one-time $60 million equity award and a full-year salary of $1 million. In addition, CFO John Rex departed, with Wayne DeVeydt taking over.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Tim Noel and Optum CEO Patrick Conway, MD, deferred salary in 2025 through the executive savings plan.
Here is what UnitedHealth’s highest-paid executives earned in 2025:
Stephen Hemsley, CEO
Salary: $596,154
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: N/A
Option awards: $60,000,024
Non-equity incentive plan: N/A
Other compensation: $341,884
Total: $60,938,062
Andrew Witty, former CEO
Salary: $903,846
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: $17,250,591
Option awards: $5,750,048
Non-equity incentive plan: N/A
Other compensation: $694,887
Total: $24,599,372
John Rex, former president and CFO
Salary: $1,400,000
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: $11,250,189
Option awards: $3,750,088
Non-equity incentive plan: N/A
Other compensation: $8,075,704
Total: $24,475,981
Tim Noel, UnitedHealthcare CEO
Salary: $981,827
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: $15,000,506
Option awards: $2,000,079
Non-equity incentive plan: $1,750,000
Other compensation: $469,334
Total: $20,201,746
Patrick Conway, MD, Optum CEO
Salary: $980,577
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: $15,000,919
Option awards: $2,000,086
Non-equity incentive plan: $1,750,000
Other compensation: $191,028
Total: $19,922,610
Christopher Zaetta, executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary
Salary: $845,192
Bonus: N/A
Stock awards: $12,250,835
Option awards: $1,750,010
Non-equity incentive plan: $925,000
Other compensation: $21,270
Total: $15,792,307
Wayne DeVeydt, CFO
Salary: $284,615
Bonus: $1,200,000
Stock awards: $8,250,430
Option awards: $3,250,045
Non-equity incentive plan: $1,500,000
Other compensation: $97,594
Total: $14,582,684
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