The healthcare sector has experienced significant shifts in leadership roles and workforce dynamics over the past few months. Notable appointments, promotions, and exits have reshaped the industry's top management teams. Additionally, several organizations have announced layoffs due to various operational changes. This article explores these developments, highlighting key transitions within prominent healthcare institutions.
New Leaders Steer Healthcare Organizations into the Future
In recent months, several healthcare organizations have welcomed new executives to lead their operations. These appointments bring fresh perspectives and extensive experience from both within and outside the healthcare domain. The incoming leaders are tasked with driving innovation, enhancing digital capabilities, and improving patient care across their respective organizations.
Humana appointed Japan Mehta as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective early 2025. Mehta joins from Citi, where he was the Chief Data Officer. Meanwhile, Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City named Ryan Smith as its chief digital and information officer, marking his return after previous stints at the health system. Similarly, Mayo Clinic welcomed Nari Gopala as its chief digital officer, bringing expertise from tech giants like Amazon Web Services. Emily Brower will take over as president and CEO of the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) in February, replacing Clif Gaus, who co-founded the organization in 2012. Behavioral health platform Rula Health also expanded its executive team with Mark Khavkin as CFO and Prashanthi Raman as chief external affairs officer. Sutter Health hired Aparna Abburi for a dual role as senior vice president of population health and health plan services and CEO of Sutter Health Plan. Symplr bolstered its leadership by appointing Steve Filler as COO and Matt Grill as chief delivery officer. These appointments underscore a commitment to leveraging technology and innovative strategies to enhance healthcare delivery.
Organizational Restructuring and Executive Exits Signal Strategic Shifts
Beyond new hires, the healthcare sector has seen several strategic changes through promotions and exits. These moves reflect organizational restructuring and evolving priorities within the industry. Executives leaving their roles often pave the way for internal talent to step up or for fresh leadership to drive change.
Amwell expanded the responsibilities of its CFO, Mark Hirschhorn, who will now also serve as COO starting January 1. Consulting firm Avalere Health appointed Amar Urhekar as its new CEO, replacing Jon Koch. The Federation of American Hospitals promoted Don May to executive vice president, expanding his role within the policy team. On the other hand, Amwell announced that two of its executives—Chief Commercial and Growth Officer Kathy Weiler and COO Kurt Knight—will leave at the end of 2024. Brian Gragnolati, CEO of Atlantic Health System, plans to retire after a decade in the role. Margaret O’Kane, president of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), will retire at the end of 2025, concluding a 35-year career dedicated to improving healthcare quality. These transitions signal a period of strategic realignment and potential reorganization within these organizations.