In an anticipated leadership shake-up, Bruce Broussard, Humana‘s CEO with over a decade at the helm, will relinquish his role as the head of the insurance giant known for its brands like CenterWell in home health, pharmacy, and primary care domains.

Taking his place, starting January 8, 2024, will be Jim Rechtin, who currently leads Envision Healthcare. This transition will see Rechtin collaborating closely with Broussard until the second half of 2024.

Expressing his sentiments, Broussard stated, “Leading Humana’s committed team has been a distinct honor. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition, and I am confident that Jim, with his forward-thinking leadership, will be an excellent match for the evolving culture of Humana.”

A seasoned healthcare professional, Rechtin boasts over two decades of rich experience, with special expertise in value-based care delivery and interactions within the Medicare Advantage space. Prior to his stint at Envision, Rechtin led UnitedHealth Group’s OptumCare, part of Optum, which is now poised to acquire Amedisys, a leading home health provider. His impressive resume includes strategic roles at DaVita Medical Group and healthcare M&A powerhouse, Bain & Company. Significantly, Rechtin shares a local bond, being a native of Kentucky, where Louisville-based Humana stands as one of the major corporate entities.

Kurt Hilzinger, Humana’s board chairman, heaped praise on Rechtin, “Jim’s unique blend of industry knowledge, operational prowess, and CEO-level expertise positions him ideally to guide Humana. He’s well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of health care services, propelling our integrated care strategy.”

It’s worth noting that under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rechtin’s current organization, Envision Healthcare, faced challenges leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing due to factors like dwindling patient counts and rising insurance claim denials.

Reflecting on Broussard’s influential leadership since 2011 (CEO since 2013), Hilzinger highlighted significant milestones such as the acquisition and rebranding of Kindred at Home to CenterWell Home Health and a threefold rise in MA membership. Today, Humana proudly serves over 5 million clients, firmly placing it as the nation’s second-largest MA provider.