18 Top Optum Executives Depart Optum for Promising Career Moves
In 2024, at least 18 top executives left UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Health, a leading healthcare services provider, to take up key positions across various industries. Their moves reflect a dynamic shift in the healthcare and business sectors as these experienced leaders pursue new opportunities and face fresh challenges. From finance roles to technology leadership and chief medical officer positions, these executives are set to influence the healthcare landscape nationwide.
Let’s explore the 18 top executives who departed from Optum Health in 2024 and their new positions.
Executive Departures from Optum Health
Leif Pedersen – New CFO at P3 Health Partners
Leif Pedersen, the former VP of Finance and CFO of Shared Services at Optum Health, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer at P3 Health Partners in October 2024. His transition reflects his extensive experience in healthcare finance and his readiness to influence growth strategies at P3 Health.
Christopher Fontes – Revenue Cycle Leader at Kaiser Permanente
In September, Optum Health’s VP of Revenue Cycle Operations, Christopher Fontes, was appointed as the Northern California Executive Director of Revenue Cycle at Kaiser Permanente. Fontes brings years of revenue cycle management expertise to one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems.
Kristofer Smith – Former CMO at Optum at Home
Kristofer Smith, Optum Health at Home’s Chief Medical Officer, left the organization in September 2024. While his next role remains undisclosed, Smith’s experience in home-based healthcare delivery has positioned him as a leader in the evolving home healthcare sector.
Simon Nazarian – Chief Digital Officer at City of Hope
Simon Nazarian, formerly the CIO for Care Delivery at Optum Health, joined City of Hope as their Chief Digital and Technology Officer in September. Nazarian’s role will be critical in driving digital transformation within this cancer treatment center.
Kristy Duffey – CCO at Cinqcare
Kristy Duffey, formerly Optum Health’s Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Optum Home & Community, was named Chief Clinical Officer at Cinqcare in August 2024. Her new role will focus on improving clinical operations and patient care strategies.
Mark Flakne – CFO of Included Health
Optum Health’s former CFO, Mark Flakne, transitioned to become the Chief Financial Officer at Included Health, a healthcare services company, in August 2024. Flakne’s experience with financial strategy in healthcare will support Included Health’s growth.
Dr. Nari Heshmati – Chief Physician at Lee Health
In August 2024, Dr. Nari Heshmati, who was Optum Health Washington’s Executive Medical Director, took up the role of Chief Physician at Lee Health’s Physician Group. Dr. Heshmati will guide physician-led initiatives and quality care improvements in his new role.
John Bruer – COO at Bloom
In August 2024, John Bruer, formerly Optum Health Financial’s VP of Operations, became the Chief Operating Officer at Bloom, a healthcare technology company. Bruer’s leadership is expected to enhance operational efficiency at Bloom.
Melissa Mann – Chief People Officer at Inspire Medical Systems
Melissa Mann, Optum’s Senior VP of Human Capital, joined Inspire Medical Systems as Chief People Officer in July 2024. In her new role, Mann will oversee talent development and HR strategies at the medtech company.
Chris Mayne – President of Home Health at AccentCare
In June 2024, Chris Mayne, former President of Optum in California, was appointed President of AccentCare’s Home Health Division. Mayne’s extensive experience in healthcare leadership will help drive AccentCare’s growth in home health services.
Amit Mody – EVP of Business Development at Holy Name
Amit Mody, Optum’s COO in New Jersey, was named Executive VP of Business Development at Holy Name Medical Center in June 2024. Mody will be responsible for expanding strategic partnerships and driving business growth.
Melissa Flicek – CIO at BCBS Minnesota
In April 2024, Melissa Flicek, Optum’s Chief Technology Officer, became the CIO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Flicek’s deep understanding of healthcare technology will drive innovation at BCBS Minnesota.
Sanji Fernando – Partner at Frazier Healthcare Partners
Optum’s Senior VP of AI and Analytics Platforms, Sanji Fernando, joined healthcare-focused private equity firm Frazier Healthcare Partners as a partner in April 2024. Fernando will bring his expertise in AI and analytics to support healthcare investments.
Tina Eller – Chief Experience Officer at Aspirion
Former Optum VP of Tech-Enabled Transformation, Tina Eller, became the Chief Experience Officer at Aspirion in April 2024. Her role will focus on enhancing patient experiences and operational efficiency.
Tom Choate – CEO at Liberty Dental Plan
Optum Rx’s former Senior VP, Tom Choate, became President and CEO of Liberty Dental Plan in April 2024. With his leadership background in national accounts at UnitedHealth Group, Choate is well-positioned to guide Liberty’s strategic initiatives.
Becca Miller Rose – COO at WelbeHealth
In March 2024, Becca Miller Rose, Optum’s Landmark Health COO, transitioned to become the COO at WelbeHealth. Rose will lead operations at this innovative healthcare provider focusing on senior care.
Kurt Adams – Former Optum Financial CEO
Kurt Adams, CEO of Optum Financial, left the company in March 2024. His next career move is yet to be disclosed, but his leadership experience is likely to lead him to another significant role in the financial or healthcare sectors.
Kevin Conroy – Former CEO of Optum Tri-State
Kevin Conroy, CEO of Optum Tri-State, left the organization in January 2024. His departure was reported by Examiner News, though further details on his future endeavors have yet to emerge.
Conclusion
The departure of 18 top executives from Optum Health in 2024 signals a notable shift in leadership within the healthcare sector. These leaders are taking on influential roles in a variety of industries, bringing their expertise in healthcare operations, technology, finance, and more to new ventures. Their transitions highlight the ongoing evolution of healthcare leadership and the demand for experienced professionals to navigate the changing landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why are so many top executives leaving Optum Health in 2024?
A: The departures are part of a larger trend in the healthcare industry, where top executives seek new opportunities to leverage their expertise in emerging fields and innovative companies. Many are drawn to roles that offer a fresh challenge or the ability to drive growth in other organizations.
Q2: How will Optum Health be affected by the departure of these executives?
A: While losing top talent can pose challenges, Optum Health remains a robust organization with a deep leadership bench. The company is likely to bring in new talent, and it will continue to adapt and evolve in response to changes in the healthcare industry.
Q3: What are the common industries that these executives are moving to after leaving Optum Health?
A: Many of the departing executives are moving to roles within healthcare, technology, and finance sectors. Their new positions range from CFO and COO roles to leadership positions focused on digital health, AI, and healthcare services.
