Kaiser Permanente names Adams as new CEO

Healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente has named a new CEO following the sudden passing of industry titan Bernard Tyson.

Greg Adams, Kaiser executive vice president and group president who was serving as CEO in an interim capacity, has been named full-time CEO by the board of directors, Kaiser Permanente announced.

Edward Pei, chair of the executive committee and the governance, accountability and nominating committee of the boards of directors, said in a statement that Adams brings "deep experience" across Kaiser's business portfolio to his new role.

Greg Adams
Greg Adams (Kaiser Permanente)

"For more than a decade, Mr. Adams worked on a wide variety of major initiatives and areas of focus, and has led Kaiser Permanente’s work on growing membership, affordability for our members, and transforming and expanding access to care," Pei said.

RELATED: Healthcare industry remembers Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson

Tyson, who had helmed the health system and insurer since 2013, died suddenly in his sleep last month at age 60. A specific cause of death was not disclosed.

Adams takes over as CEO with more than 30 years of experience as a healthcare executive. In his prior position at Kaiser Permanente, Adams oversaw health plan and hospital operations in all eight regions Kaiser serves. 

He is also a member of a number of professional organizations, including the National Association of Health Services Executives and the Executive Leadership Council. He's a previous chair of the California Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees and serves on the executive committee.

“It is truly an honor to be named Chairman and CEO of this amazing organization and follow Bernard. He was an exceptional leader who was passionate about and dedicated to Kaiser Permanente,” Adams said in a statement. “Kaiser Permanente will continue to move forward together to deliver on our mission: providing high-quality, affordable health care services, improving the health of our members and the communities we serve, and transforming American health and health care.”