UnitedHealth Group Announces Appointment of Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb to Its Board of Directors
UnitedHealth Group has announced that Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a distinguished physician, health policy expert, and former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The addition of Dr. Gottlieb marks a significant expansion of the company’s leadership expertise, bringing one of the nation’s most respected voices in healthcare regulation, innovation, and public health strategy into the organization’s governance structure.
Dr. Gottlieb, 53, is widely recognized for his influential tenure as FDA commissioner from 2017 to 2019. During his time at the agency, he became known not only for his assertive leadership style but also for his forward-looking approach to modernizing the nation’s regulatory framework. Under his direction, the FDA placed a renewed emphasis on transparency, patient safety, and consumer empowerment. Dr. Gottlieb led sweeping initiatives aimed at accelerating medical product development, promoting competition within the pharmaceutical industry, and encouraging innovative technologies that could improve health outcomes while also reducing costs.
One of the defining aspects of his administration was his work to update and streamline outdated regulatory processes. These efforts helped create clearer pathways for the approval of novel therapies, including advanced biologics, gene therapies, digital health products, and cutting-edge medical devices. His policies focused on reducing administrative barriers while preserving rigorous safety standards—an approach widely praised across the healthcare sector.
During his time at the FDA, Dr. Gottlieb championed efforts to combat some of the country’s most serious health challenges. He took a strong stance against the opioid epidemic, pushing for enhanced monitoring, improved prescribing practices, and broader access to treatment options. He also led the agency in confronting the rapid rise of youth vaping and tobacco use, initiating regulatory actions and public education campaigns aimed at protecting younger populations. His commitment to these public health priorities earned him bipartisan respect and solidified his reputation as a decisive and effective regulator.
Stephen J. Hemsley, chief executive officer and executive chairman of UnitedHealth Group’s board, emphasized the value Dr. Gottlieb brings to the company’s strategic direction. “Scott has had an exceptional health care career in both the public and private sectors,” Hemsley said. “He is an innovator who constantly advocates for a more integrated health care approach supported by the latest technology. We welcome his deep expertise and thought leadership as we strive to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone.”
Dr. Gottlieb’s experience extends far beyond his time at the FDA. Earlier in his career, he served in key roles at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where he contributed to policymaking around reimbursement, quality measures, and healthcare innovation. He was also appointed to the Federal Health Information Technology Policy Committee, where he supported efforts to advance nationwide health IT infrastructure, enabling better coordination, data sharing, and patient-centered care.
In addition to his public-sector work, Dr. Gottlieb continues to be deeply engaged in clinical medicine and health policy. As a practicing physician, he remains closely connected to patient care and the realities faced by providers, allowing him to bring practical insights to policy and organizational leadership. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine—one of the highest honors in the fields of health and science—recognizing his contributions to medical research, public health, and regulatory science.
Dr. Gottlieb also plays a prominent role in the private sector and the broader healthcare ecosystem. He serves as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on healthcare innovation, medical product regulation, and public health preparedness. Additionally, he is a partner at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), one of the world’s largest venture capital firms. In this capacity, he advises and supports emerging healthcare companies working at the forefront of biotechnology, digital health, and medical technology. His work in venture investment further underscores his commitment to accelerating the development of transformative medical solutions.
Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Gottlieb is a well-known media contributor. He regularly provides analysis and commentary on health trends, regulatory developments, and policy changes for major networks such as CNBC and CBS News. His ability to communicate complex healthcare issues with clarity has made him a trusted voice for both industry experts and the public.
As he steps into his new position on UnitedHealth Group’s Board of Directors, Dr. Gottlieb expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the strategic evolution of one of the world’s largest and most influential healthcare companies. “I look forward to working with UnitedHealth Group to help shape how medical breakthroughs are developed and made accessible to patients who may benefit from them,” he said. “I hope to leverage my experience to support providers in their delivery of care that’s not only more innovative but also more affordable, and that improves outcomes for patients and communities.”
UnitedHealth Group, through its businesses UnitedHealthcare and Optum, plays a central role in the U.S. healthcare system, delivering benefits, services, and technologies that impact millions of patients, families, and providers. The addition of Dr. Gottlieb aligns with the company’s focus on improving care delivery, expanding access to advanced treatments, and integrating data-driven solutions across the healthcare continuum.
His appointment comes at a time when the industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting patient expectations, and ongoing challenges related to public health preparedness. Dr. Gottlieb’s expertise in regulatory strategy, innovation pathways, and health policy positions him to contribute meaningfully to UnitedHealth Group’s long-term vision.
As healthcare systems worldwide continue to evolve in response to emerging technologies, increasing complexity, and the need for more sustainable models, UnitedHealth Group’s decision to expand its board with a leader of Dr. Gottlieb’s caliber signals a strong commitment to shaping the future of healthcare with insight, integrity, and innovation.
