UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley, who replaced Andrew Witty, said he has the right strategy in place “for the era ahead.”

The executive earlier caused public outrage when he defended the insurance giant’s practice of denying health care claims.

May 13 (UPI) -- UnitedHealth Group announced Tuesday CEO Andrew Witty will step down, citing "personal reasons." Witty will leave the role of CEO and be replaced by Stephen J. Hemsley, effective immediately.

"We are grateful for Andrew's stewardship of UnitedHealth Group, especially during some of the most challenging times any company has ever faced," Hemsley said. "The Board and I have greatly valued his leadership and compassion as chief executive and as a director and wish him and his family the best.