The CEO of the nation’s largest health care company was shot dead in a targeted shooting in New York City early Wednesday, as the executive was arriving to speak at an investor’s conference in Midtown, police said.

New York City police said a masked gunman shot Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, in the chest at about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he was walking toward the Hilton Hotel on 6th Avenue.

Authorities said Mr. Thompson, 50, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. He later died from his wounds.

The gunman ran off before he could be arrested, police said.

Police described the shooter as a White male wearing a black face mask, a cream-colored coat with black and white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack.

Investigators told multiple media outlets the shooting appeared to be targeted. Detectives believe the gunman may have been lurking in a nearby alley just before opening fire on Mr. Thompson.

Mr. Thompson had served as the head of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021.

He had overseen the company’s government programs, such as Medicare & Retirement and Community & State, before taking on his current role.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.