After less than two years at the helm, Highmark Inc. CEO Dr. William Winkenwerder has been replaced.
The state’s largest insurer made the announcement this morning while also announcing that David L. Holmberg will step into the open post.
Holmberg has been with Highmark for the last seven years in several senior business operations roles. Most recently he served as President of Highmark Inc.'s Diversified Businesses. Prior to joining Highmark, Holmberg was the Executive Vice President for operations for Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
Highmark did not explain the reasoning behind the change.
In a written statement, Holmberg said, "I am deeply gratified by the Board's decision to appoint me as Highmark Health's next President and CEO. I view my role as CEO as creating a culture focused on the needs of our customers, continuing to improve our operating fundamentals, and implementing and accelerating our transformation into a nationally recognized integrated health care delivery system."
Under Winkenwerder, Highmark purchased the assets of eight hospitals in the region including West Penn Allegheny and Allegheny General Hospital to create The Allegheny Health Network.
"I want to thank Bill Winkenwerder for his service to our enterprise and our 38,000 employees,” said J. Robert Baum, Chairman of Highmark Health's Board of Directors in the same written statement.
