Gail K. Boudreaux has been named president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Anthem and appointed to the company's board of directors, effective Nov. 20. She is replacing Joseph Swedish, who will stay on as executive chairman of the board until May 2018 and then serve as senior adviser through May 2020.
Ms. Boudreaux previously served as CEO of Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare, the medical insurance subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. In that role, she oversaw 60,000 employees and approximately $120 billion in revenue. Prior to UnitedHealthcare, Ms. Boudreaux was executive vice president of Chicago-based Health Care Services Corp., where she was responsible for Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
"Gail Boudreaux is a decisive leader with deep expertise in the healthcare industry and an outstanding track record of driving results throughout her impressive career," said George A. Schaefer Jr., lead independent director of Anthem's board. "The Anthem board is confident Gail will draw from her extensive experience to deliver strong operating performance, excellent financial results and a laser focus on customer experience and shareholder value."
Mr. Schaefer also thanked Mr. Swedish for his leadership. "We are fortunate that, as a result of Joe's leadership, we have a foundation of strong performance that allows us the opportunity to transition to a new Chief Executive Officer," said Mr. Schaefer. "Joe has reinvigorated the company's culture, built a strategic growth platform, and put Anthem on track to realize our vision of being America's valued health partner. The entire board would like to express our gratitude to Joe for his invaluable contributions."
Mr. Swedish, who has served more than four years at the helm of Anthem, orchestrated the company's $54 billion merger proposal to Hartford, Conn.-based Cigna in 2015. The deal was ultimately called off due to regulatory issues.
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