Jeff Roe Appointed CEO of Premera, Gubby Barlow to Retire

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gubby Barlow to Retire, Jeff Roe Appointed CEO of Premera Effective October 1

Mountlake Terrace, WASHINGTON (March 18, 2014) – Premera Blue Cross today announced that Gubby Barlow will step down as Chief Executive Officer on September 30 of this year. Current President Jeff Roe has been appointed the next CEO of the Premera family of companies, effective October 1. Barlow will remain with Premera in an executive capacity to assist Roe in the transition until the end of the year.

“This is a significant step for Premera,” said Barlow. “The company has risen from exceptionally difficult times over a decade and a half ago to become the leading choice for customers seeking healthcare coverage in our region, ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies,” Barlow continued.

“Gubby has been a transformational leader at Premera,” said Kathy Munro, Lead Director of Premera’s Board and Chair of the Succession Committee. “The company has become the leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest with Gubby at the helm over the past 15 years. The values, operational excellence, and service excellence to its customers that are the hallmark of Premera are a reflection of Gubby’s outstanding leadership.”

Roe’s selection as CEO was the result of an extended succession planning process by Premera’s Board.

“Jeff has an exceptional record serving in leadership positions at Premera, performing successfully as an effective strategist, thoughtful team builder, and decisive leader. I believe he is the right leader at the right time to guide Premera’s continued success,” said Barlow.

“The Board is thrilled to have Jeff lead Premera at a time of significant change in the healthcare system,” added Munro. “We believe the combination of Jeff’s proven leadership skills coupled with his vision for building on the success of Gubby’s superlative tenure as CEO will yield exceptional results.”

Roe has been President of Premera since January 1, 2014. Prior to that, Roe led Premera’s Employer and Individual market segments throughout the Pacific Northwest. He joined Premera in 1996, managing the company’s Communications and Marketing functions and later led Premera’s Washington market business segment.

 

About Premera Blue Cross Premera Blue Cross is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to more than 1.6 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Premera is committed to providing its members with peace of mind about their healthcare. Premera Blue Cross has operated in Washington since 1933 and is a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Premera Blue Cross is a member of a family of companies based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., providing health, life, vision, dental, stop-loss, disability, workforce wellness and other related products and services. The family of companies employs over 3,600 people and provides healthcare coverage and related services to nearly 1.9 million members. Please visit www.premera.com and www.PremeraNews.com for more information.

 

Media Contact:

Eric Earling

Direct: (425) 918-3297

E-mail: eric.earling@premera.com