New Humana President in Line for CEO
Bruce D. Broussard, who had been CEO of McKesson Specialty Health, has been appointed president and is expected to become Humana’s CEO when the current chief, Mike McCallister, retires in 12-18 months.
Humana Inc. announced Nov. 4 that Bruce D. Broussard, 49, has been appointed to the post of president, placing him in line to be the Louisville, Ky.-based health care company's next CEO. Broussard was CEO of McKesson Specialty Health; he is expected to become Humana's CEO when the current chief executive, Mike McCallister, retires in 12-18 months.
Among Humana's many units is Concentra, which is based in Addison, Texas, and provides occupational medical care, urgent care, physical therapy, and wellness services to workers and the general public via 317 medical centers in 40 states.
"As part of Humana's long-term succession planning process, this step has been under consideration by the board of directors for more than a year," McCallister said. "Bruce Broussard brings significant CEO experience in the health industry to Humana, along with superb operational and financial leadership skills. I'm confident he will prove to be a leader that continues and enhances the success we've had over the past decade.
"As CEO of US Oncology, Bruce worked closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is invaluable given Humana's significant Medicare business," McCallister said. "Throughout his career -- which includes executive-level experience in accounting, finance, and informatics across many health-related industries -- he has shown an ability to grow businesses profitably and maintain strong relationships with customers and partners."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join Humana and serve on the company's leadership team," Broussard said. "Humana has an amazing track record over the past decade as a consumer-focused innovator, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the company's future growth."
McCallister, 59, will serve his 12th year as CEO in 2012 and his 38th as a Humana associate. He was elected chairman of the board in August 2010. "Mike's leadership has been extraordinary," said Kurt Hilzinger, the lead independent director on Humana's Board. "During his tenure as CEO, Humana's revenues have quadrupled and net income has increased more than six-fold. The company's most recent fiscal year was the strongest in its 50-year history as measured by revenues, net income, and health plan membership. We are pleased that Mike's energy, skill, and visionary thinking will be with the company as CEO during a thoughtful transition period."
The company also announced that Chief Operating Officer James E. Murray is being promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and is joining McCallister and Broussard in the Office of the Chairman, which McCallister is creating to guide the company in key strategic areas and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
McKesson Specialty Health is a division of McKesson Corporation. Broussard joined US Oncology in August 2000 as the chief financial officer, was appointed president of US Oncology Holdings and US Oncology in 2005, and was CFO of each company until July 31, 2006. He became CEO in February 2008 and board chairman in September 2009. In September 2011, US Oncology became McKesson Specialty Health after McKesson acquired the company the prior year.