Richard M. Bracken, who served as the CEO of HCA Healthcare from 2009 to 2013, led the company during a significant growth period. He had a proven track record in healthcare management, starting his journey at HCA as President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2013, his total compensation exceeded $16 million, driven by performance-based bonuses and stock options. This aligns with HCA's culture of rewarding executives based on meeting specific financial targets, particularly EBITDA goals, tying their success to the company's performance. As of early 2024, Bracken held over $350 million in HCA stock, reflecting a strong belief in the company’s direction and future growth. His transition from CEO to Executive Chairman showed a commitment to continued leadership while paving the way for his successor. With extensive experience since 2002, Bracken played a pivotal role in shaping HCA Healthcare into one of the largest hospital operators in the U.S., known for its focus on both quality care and profitability.

Quick Links

Richard M. Bracken

Ex-CEO of HCA Healthcare

Education

N/A

Field of Expertise

Healthcare & Life Sciences - Healthcare

Sector of Economy

Healthcare

Born

May 21, 1950 - 74 years ago

CEO of HCA Healthcare for

4 years 11 months (Jan 2009 - Dec 2013)

Previous Experience

President and Chief Operating Officer of HCA

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Richard M. Bracken

Suzanne D. Snapper

CEO of The Ensign Group

2023 Compensation

Stock

$1.98M

Salary

$427.69K

Bonus

$4.91M

Other

$7.23K

Total Holdings

$41.00M

Christopher H. Hunter

CEO of Acadia Healthcare

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.00M

Bonus

$1.65M

Other

$962.00

Total Holdings

$6.23M

Marc D. Miller

CEO of Universal Health Services

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.35M

Bonus

$3.04M

Other

$47.21K

Total Holdings

$152.74M

Mark J. Tarr

CEO of Encompass Health Corporation

2023 Compensation

Stock

$3.28M

Salary

$1.05M

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$66.92K

Total Holdings

$51.02M

Saumya Sutaria

CEO of Tenet Healthcare

2023 Compensation

Stock

$8.25M

Salary

$1.50M

Bonus

$6.30M

Other

$587.72K

Total Holdings

$50.77M

Sarah M. London

CEO of Centene

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$1.40M

Bonus

$2.79M

Other

$285.34K

Total Holdings

$40.36M

Holdings

See how much did Richard M. Bracken make over time.

Richard M. Bracken's holdings in HCA Healthcare showcase his commitment to the company's future. As of early 2024, the value of his stock exceeds $350 million. This figure has seen notable fluctuations over the years, corresponding with stock performance and his leadership decisions. His wealth peaked as he exercised stock options and received stock grants linked to HCA's performance metrics. Throughout his tenure, Bracken amassed significant stakes through various ownership arrangements, highlighting his stakes in company growth and belief in its direction. His holdings speak volumes about his investment priority in the success of HCA and his professional journey in the healthcare sector.

Mar 17, 2025

HCA @ $328.46

Charitable Transactions

HCA

851,151 shares

HCA

Recent Charitable Transactions

HCA

10,000 shares

HCA

Feb 5, 2014

Charity

HCA

184,698 shares

HCA

Nov 8, 2012

Charity

HCA

656,453 shares

HCA

Nov 5, 2012

Charity

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Richard M. Bracken.

HCA

12,029 shares

HCA

Feb 25, 2014

Received

HCA

7,817 shares

HCA

Feb 5, 2014

Received

HCA

10,000 shares

HCA

Feb 5, 2014

Charity

HCA

17,868 shares

HCA

Feb 25, 2013

Received

HCA

184,698 shares

HCA

Nov 8, 2012

Charity

HCA

184,698 shares

HCA

Nov 8, 2012

Charity

HCA

656,453 shares

HCA

Nov 5, 2012

Charity

HCA

656,453 shares

HCA

Nov 5, 2012

Charity

HCA

14,872 shares

HCA

Mar 9, 2011

Received

Compensation History

See how much did Richard M. Bracken make over time.

During his time as CEO, Richard M. Bracken’s compensation was closely tied to HCA's performance. In 2013, he earned over $16 million, with a substantial portion from bonuses linked to specific performance targets. His pay structure was designed to closely align with the company’s goals, striving for measurable progress in areas like EBITDA. The compensation philosophy at HCA emphasizes rewarding executives based on the results they deliver, establishing a strong link between the company’s success and executive pay. Bracken's total compensation also included a base salary, stock awards, and other incentives that further incentivized high performance. This model encourages leaders to stay focused on long-term company objectives while maintaining accountability to shareholders. His final compensation package also included significant stock grants, reinforcing the importance of linking executive wealth to company performance.

Year

2013

Total Compensation

$5.34M

Salary

$1.40M

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy is centered around creating a strong link between the performance of business objectives and the value of compensation, with a significant emphasis on performance-based pay.

Bonus

$3.29M

Board Justification

The bonus for 2013 reflects amounts earned for the year ended December 31, 2013 under the 2013 PEP, which amounts were paid in cash up to the target level and 50% in cash and 50% through the grant of RSU awards in the first quarter of 2014 for amounts in excess of target, pursuant to the terms of the 2013 PEP.

Other

$23.48K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and personal use of corporate aircraft.

Restricted Stock

$628.79K(14.87K RSU)

Board Justification

The stock that vested in 2013 includes RSUs that were granted under the 2012 PEP for performance in excess of the target performance level, reflecting 50% of the value of each executive’s 2012 PEP payment in excess of their respective target payment level. These RSUs will vest in two equal installments on the second and third anniversaries of their February 25, 2013 grant date.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for 2013 included achieving targeted levels of EBITDA.

Other HCA Healthcare CEOs

Here are other CEOs of HCA Healthcare

Jack O. Bovender, Jr.

Ex-CEO of HCA Healthcare

January 2001 - December 2008

R. Milton Johnson

Ex-CEO of HCA Healthcare

January 2014 - December 2018