UnitedHealth Group is doubling down on its leadership transformation, naming Jodee Kozlak as its first-ever chief administrative officer — a brand-new role designed to modernize and align operations across the company's sprawling portfolio of businesses. Kozlak, whose résumé includes stints as Chief Human Resources Officer at Target and Global SVP at Alibaba, steps into the role on September 28.

Her appointment is the latest in a string of executive changes under CEO Stephen Hemsley, who returned to lead the company in spring 2025 following the killing of its top insurance executive in late 2024. Since then, UnitedHealth has replaced its CFO, reshuffled leadership across Optum Health, Optum Insight, and UnitedHealthcare, and this week also named a new chief commercial officer and commercial CEO for its insurance arm.

Key Takeaways:

• Kozlak will initially oversee HR, real estate, procurement, and corporate security — a portfolio likely to expand as the company consolidates operations
• UnitedHealth posted $12.1 billion in profit on $448 billion in revenue last year, but faces ongoing DOJ and HHS investigations into potential Medicare Advantage overpayments
• Consumer trust in health insurers remains low, adding pressure on UnitedHealth to demonstrate meaningful reform beyond financial recovery

Why it matters: UnitedHealth is the largest private insurer in the U.S., and its operational decisions ripple across the entire healthcare system. Creating a CAO role signals a structural commitment to reform — but with regulators and lawmakers still scrutinizing its practices, the company has a long road to rebuilding credibility.