Optum CEO Sir Andrew Witty is returning to the company after spending more than seven months helping the World Health Organization's COVID-19 vaccine initiative, according to the Star Tribune.
In April, Optum parent company UnitedHealth Group announced Sir Witty would be taking a leave of absence to help in the effort. His return was announced Dec. 1 by UnitedHealth's CEO David Wichmann during the company's annual investor conference.
Mr. Wichmann congratulated Sir Witty on his work, saying the number of vaccines in third-stage trials and distribution plans are "in part due to your efforts and the efforts of the WHO," the Star Tribune reports.
The WHO's initiative aimed at accelerating new vaccines, tests and treatment for COVID-19. Equitable distribution of the vaccines and treatment worldwide was also a part of the effort, according to the report.
Optum is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn.