David S. Wichmann
Summary
David S. Wichmann, also known as Dave Wichmann, is an American business executive who has served as a director of Boston Scientific since June 2021. He is widely recognized for his tenure as the chief executive officer (CEO) of UnitedHealth Group, Incorporated, a position he held from September 2017 until March 2021.
Before becoming CEO, Wichmann served as the president of UnitedHealth Group, starting in November 2014. In this role, he had oversight responsibilities for all of UnitedHealthcare's domestic and international businesses, as well as overall performance management of UnitedHealth Group. Before his presidency, Wichmann held the position of chief financial officer (CFO) at UnitedHealth Group from 2011 to 2016.
During his extensive career at UnitedHealth Group, Wichmann also held various other key positions, including president of UnitedHealthcare, CEO of Specialized Care Services (now OptumHealth), and senior vice president of Corporate Development.
Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Wichmann worked as a partner at Arthur Andersen & Co., a prominent professional services firm. He also served as the CFO of Advanced Machine Company.
In addition to his professional roles, Wichmann has served on the boards of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Tennant Company, contributing his expertise to the strategic direction of these organizations.
Wichmann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Illinois State University, laying the foundation for his successful career in the healthcare and business sectors.
Biography
David S. Wichmann is an accomplished business executive with a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry. He is known for his significant contributions during his tenure at UnitedHealth Group, where he held various leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, and President of Operations and Technology.
Wichmann's career at UnitedHealth Group spanned an impressive 23 years, from 1994 to 2021. As CEO, he led the company from 2017 to February 2021, guiding its strategic direction and overseeing its operations. During his tenure as President, which began in 2014, Wichmann had broad oversight responsibilities for UnitedHealthcare's domestic and international businesses. He played a pivotal role in driving overall performance and ensuring the company's success.
Prior to his presidency, Wichmann served as the Chief Financial Officer of UnitedHealth Group from 2011 to 2016, where he showcased his financial acumen and contributed to the company's financial stability and growth. He also held positions such as President of Commercial Markets Group, President and Chief Operating Officer of UnitedHealthcare, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, showcasing his versatility and leadership capabilities across various divisions of the organization. He retired from the group in February 2021.
Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Wichmann gained valuable experience as a Partner at Arthur Andersen & Co., a renowned professional services firm, and as the Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Machine Company.
Wichmann's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Illinois State University, providing him with a solid foundation for his financial expertise and business acumen.
He currently serves as a board member of Boston Scientific, a leading medical technology company, where he contributes his expertise to advance healthcare solutions. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, where he holds the position of Chairman since 2015, and previously served on the Board of Directors for Tennant Company.
With his extensive experience, strategic leadership, and commitment to healthcare innovation, David S. Wichmann has left a lasting impact on the healthcare industry and continues to contribute to the advancement of medical solutions and the betterment of patient care.
Vision
David S. Wichmann, with his extensive experience in the healthcare industry, has demonstrated a strong vision for transforming and advancing the delivery of healthcare services. Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized the importance of patient-centric care, innovation, and improving health outcomes.
Wichmann's vision encompasses a deep understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape and the need for continuous improvement in the industry. He recognizes the power of technology and its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused. Under his leadership, UnitedHealth Group has embraced digital innovation and utilized cutting-edge technologies to enhance healthcare experiences and outcomes.
One of Wichmann's key objectives is to ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all individuals. He believes in the importance of addressing the underlying cost drivers in healthcare while maintaining high-quality care. By leveraging data analytics and insights, he aims to drive efficiencies and reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures, ultimately improving affordability for individuals and communities.
Wichmann also emphasizes the importance of preventive care and wellness promotion. His vision includes empowering individuals to take charge of their health by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and education. By promoting preventive measures and early intervention, he seeks to improve overall population health and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
Furthermore, Wichmann recognizes the significance of collaborative partnerships and stakeholder engagement in driving meaningful change in healthcare. He advocates for strong partnerships with healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders to create a cohesive and integrated healthcare ecosystem. By fostering these relationships, he envisions a healthcare system that delivers seamless, coordinated care and achieves better health outcomes for individuals and communities.
Wichmann's vision also encompasses a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. He encourages a culture of innovation within organizations, promoting the exploration of new technologies, care models, and approaches that can revolutionize healthcare. By embracing innovation, he aims to stay ahead of industry disruptions, adapt to evolving patient needs, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
References
- UnitedHealth Group | openbusinesscouncil.org
- David S. Wichmann director | Boston Scientific
- Presenter biography - David S. Wichmann | Academy Health
- David Wichmann biography | Black Rock
- David S. Wichmann profile | theorg.com
- Boston Scientific Elects David S. Wichmann To Board Of Directors | PRNewswire
- Dave Wichmann LinkedIn profile | LinkedIn
- David Wichmann profile | Crunchbase
- UnitedHealth CEO David Wichmann to retire | Reuters
- Boston Scientific CEO and key executive team | Craft
- How to grow a titan like UnitedHealth? Think small, says President Dave Wichmann | The Business Journals
- UnitedHealth’s 900,000 New Medicare Advantage Members Also A Good Sign For Rivals | Forbes
- After Bernie’s Tweet, UnitedHealth’s CEO Describes ‘Wholesale Disruption’ Of Medicare For All | Forbes