Cigna Group Announces Major Leadership Restructuring to Drive Growth Strategy

The Cigna Group, a leading health insurance and services company, has unveiled significant changes to its top leadership team as part of an effort to accelerate its growth strategy and enhance innovation across its businesses.

Brian Evanko Elevated to President and COO

In a pivotal move, Brian Evanko, currently serving as the company's chief financial officer and CEO of Cigna Healthcare, will assume the role of president and chief operating officer for the Cigna Group, effective March 31. Evanko, a veteran of the company since 1998, brings extensive experience from various roles across Cigna's U.S. and international divisions.

Cigna Group CEO David Cordani emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment, stating, "Aligning our Evernorth Health Services and Cigna Healthcare businesses under a single leader will accelerate innovation to enhance how we serve our stakeholders." Cordani praised Evanko's market perspective, business acumen, and focus on execution as key attributes that make him "uniquely suited to lead the next chapter of our company's growth."

Additional Leadership Changes and Departures

As part of the restructuring, Ann Dennison will succeed Evanko as CFO. Dennison, who joined Cigna after serving as CFO at Nasdaq, has been preparing for this role as deputy chief financial officer since last year.

In a notable departure, Eric Palmer, CEO of Evernorth, will be leaving the company next month after more than 25 years of service in various capacities. Cordani acknowledged Palmer's contributions, stating, "He has left a positive mark on the company and our ability to serve the diverse needs of millions of customers and patients."

Strategic Alignment of Marketing and Administrative Functions

Nicole Jones, Cigna's general counsel and chief administrative officer, will take on additional responsibilities by overseeing the company's enterprise marketing efforts. This move aims to align marketing strategy with other key areas under Jones' purview, including government affairs, legal, and human resources.

The leadership changes announced by Cigna reflect a broader trend in the insurance industry, as companies seek to streamline operations and foster innovation in an increasingly competitive market. By consolidating leadership of its core businesses and aligning key functions, Cigna is positioning itself to respond more effectively to market demands and enhance its service offerings to stakeholders.