UnitedHealth Group has appointed Wayne DeVeydt as its new chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding John Rex.  

Rex, having served as CFO since 2016, will transition to a strategic advisory role to the CEO. 

UnitedHealth chairman and CEO Stephen Hemsley said: “John Rex has been an exceptional leader, having helped guide our company through substantial change with both strategic vision and strong commitment to our mission. I look forward to his continued insights as UnitedHealth Group moves forward. 

“Wayne DeVeydt combines deep financial acumen and operating experience with the mission-oriented and compassionate approach to healthcare that is a perfect fit for UnitedHealth Group.”  

With a background in healthcare finance and operations, DeVeydt’s experience includes his recent tenure as a managing director and operating partner at Bain Capital. 

Prior to Bain, he served as chairman and CEO of Surgery Partners, where he oversaw the company’s operational scope between 2018 and 2020.  

He held the position of CFO at Anthem (now Elevance) from 2007 to 2016, having joined the company in 2005.  

Prior to his time at Anthem, he was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, focusing on healthcare. 

DeVeydt stated: “There is no organisation besides UnitedHealth Group that presents the kinds of opportunities to make a difference in healthcare, from individual patient care to broad system efficiency, so I am eagerly looking forward to joining the team. 

“I have been fortunate to know John Rex for over two decades and am honoured to follow a leader of his calibre.” 

In May, Hemsley was named CEO of UnitedHealth following the departure of Andrew Witty due to personal reasons.