Aetna execs score key roles at CVS Health

PHOTO | HBJ File Aetna's Hartford headquarters.

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By Joe Cooper

Aetna President Karen S. Lynch will become the Hartford health insurer’s top executive once its $69 billion combination with CVS is complete, officials said.

CVS Health on Wednesday announced its new management team for the combined company, which includes key Aetna executives.

Under the management structure, Lynch will also serve as executive vice president of CVS Health. She will replace current Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini, who will take a seat on CVS’ board of directors.

Meanwhile, Richard di Benedetto will remain as president of Aetna International.

Fran S. Soistman will continue serving as Aetna’s executive vice president and head of government services, leading the Medicare, Medicaid and Federal Plans businesses.

Shawn M. Guertin, the executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief enterprise risk officer for Aetna, will become the executive vice president and chief financial officer for CVS Health.

Guertin’s role includes managing investor relations, accounting, financial planning and tax and treasury functions.

Also, Rick M. Jelinek, currently Aetna’s executive vice president, head of enterprise strategy, will become executive vice president of CVS Health.

"The talent of both organizations is reflected in the management team that we are naming today and that will report to me as of the close of the transaction,” said Larry Merlo, president and chief executive officer of CVS Health, who will also become the CEO of the combined company.

Jon Roberts will also remain as executive vice president and chief operating officer for CVS Health with operational oversight for CVS Pharmacy, CVS Caremark and Omnicare.

CVS has said the deal, which keeps Aetna’s headquarters in Hartford, is on pace to close in the second half of this year.