Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that Sarah London, Vice Chairman of Centene, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, succeeding Michael Neidorff. Mr. Neidorff remains on a previously announced medical leave of absence from his position on the Board of the Company.
Ms. London has spent her career at the forefront of innovation in healthcare. Her focus has been advancing integrated, value-based care models through the development and application of data-driven insights and technology.
Prior to her appointment as CEO, Ms. London served as Vice Chairman of the Centene Board of Directors. In her management role, Ms. London led the Company’s technology and digital strategy in addition to running the Health Care Enterprises and Specialty divisions, Corporate Strategy, Quality Operations, Internal Audit, Compliance and Risk Management. Since Mr. Neidorff began a medical leave of absence in February 2022, she has been a member of the Office of the Chairman charged with running the day-to-day management of the Company.
“I am delighted that the Board has appointed Sarah as CEO. Her strategic thinking, fresh perspective and diverse experience make her the natural leader to harness the potential of Centene,” said James Dallas, Acting Chairman of Centene. “Sarah has infused an innovative mindset across the enterprise in her relentless effort to improve Centene’s capabilities to provide the highest quality of care for our members. I have been consistently impressed by Sarah’s passion to serve our members, who are often the most vulnerable amongst us. The Board and I are confident that she is the right visionary leader to increase value for our shareholders and author the next chapter of Centene’s growth.”
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected as the next CEO of Centene and to work alongside extraordinary colleagues to provide quality healthcare to over 26 million Americans,” said Ms. London. “The healthcare landscape is rapidly changing, and Centene’s mission – to transform the health of our communities one member at a time – has never been more relevant. We have a unique opportunity to empower our members, providers, and their communities in this transformation. Together, we can deliver innovative, integrated, and equitable care that meets our members where they live and exceeds their expectations. I’m excited by the tremendous opportunity to leverage the size and scale of this Company to create true, sustaining value for our members, state partners, employees and shareholders.”
“I also want to thank Michael Neidorff, Centene’s visionary leader for more than 25 years. Michael built one of the great success stories in American business, and his commitment to providing affordable, high-quality healthcare to our fellow citizens will remain a bedrock of this Company going forward,” said Ms. London.
Brent Layton, President and Chief Operating Officer of Centene, stated, “Sarah brings a tremendous skillset to the leadership of Centene Corporation, and I’m excited to partner closely with her as Centene begins our journey into the next era of our history.”
Drew Asher, Centene’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “Sarah brings a modern vision to the helm of one of this country’s most important healthcare companies. I’m thrilled to be part of this management team, and I firmly believe in the potential of this Company to continue its remarkable history of accomplishment within the healthcare industry.”