The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what police described as a “brazen, targeted attack” outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Brian Thompson, 50, was walking towards a prescheduled investor conference at the Hilton around 6:45 a.m. when the shooting happened, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. 

The shooter arrived at the scene on foot about five minutes before the attack, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Thompson was taken to Mount Sinai West, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” Tisch said. "It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes, and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf.”

The suspect, who was wearing a “light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a very distinctive gray backpack,” fled the scene on foot before boarding an electric CitiBike near West 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, Kenny said. 

He was last seen riding into Central Park via Center Drive, officials said. Police released photos of the suspect Wednesday afternoon. 

"I want to be clear: At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack," Tisch said. "Millions of people will be enjoying the [Rockefeller Center] tree lighting tonight, among other holiday events, and the NYPD will be out there with them keeping them safe."

The NYPD has launched a full-scale investigation and is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest. Tisch urged the public to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS with any information.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she had directed State Police to assist the NYPD, saying in a statement, “Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson, and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice.”

Police said the motive for the attack remains unclear.

UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in Manhattan to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.

In a statement released late Wednesday morning, UnitedHealth Group said it was “deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare."

"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," the statement said. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Hilton said, "We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department."

Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at the scene. Many security cameras are nearby.

Thompson had served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”

“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs.