MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Stephen J. Hemsley, chief executive officer (CEO) of UnitedHealth Group, has been elected to the Cargill Board of Directors.

"Steve's humility and depth of character are consistent with Cargill's values,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and CEO. “Under his leadership, UnitedHealth Group not only has posted strong growth, it has built a values-based culture that has strengthened the company’s reputation. Steve also brings deep financial experience and broad exposure to complex, regulated markets. He’ll be a wonderful addition to the board."

Hemsley has been UnitedHealth Group’s CEO since 2006. Previously he served as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining UnitedHealth Group in 1997, he was managing partner in strategy and planning and chief financial officer for Arthur Andersen, LLP.

Hemsley has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fordham University.

He joins six other independent directors on Cargill's board: Richard H. Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Louis R. Chênevert, retired chairman and CEO of United Technologies Corporation; Arthur D. Collins, Jr., retired chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Inc.; Richard M. Kovacevich, retired chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo & Company; Bernard Poussot, retired chairman, CEO and president of Wyeth; and Trudy Rautio, retired CEO and president of Carlson.