Centene CEO Sarah London is continuing to build out the insurer's leadership team.
The government insurance giant named Ken Fasola, executive vice president of healthcare enterprises, as its president, according to an announcement. He will still report to London but will lead Centene's health plans, all lines of business and core operations. Fasola joined Centene in its acquisition of Magellan Health.
In addition, Jim Murray, Centene's chief transformation officer, will step into the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, reporting to Fasola. The insurer said that Murray will play a key role in Centene's value-creation initiative, quality improvement and other key goals.
Brent Layton will move into a senior advisor to the CEO role as he transitions toward retirement, Centene said, and Dave Thomas, executive vice president of markets, will become CEO of markets and Medicaid, reporting to Fasola.
All of these changes are effective as of Wednesday, Centene said.
"With these appointments, Centene is aligning the outstanding talent within our senior executive team with the Company's value creation mission and long-term strategy for growth," said London in the release. "Additionally, we are excited to welcome two new leaders to our senior management team. Together, today's appointments reinforce and accelerate Centene's longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, low-cost healthcare to members and increasing value to shareholders."
Alongside the internal executive moves, Centene announced that it has hired Alice Chen, M.D., as its chief health officer and Brian LeClaire as its chief information officer. LeClaire took the role on Dec. 5 and Chen will become CHO effective Jan. 1. Both will report to London.
Earlier this year, Centene announced a refresh of its office of the CEO, which it said aimed to elevate rising stars within the company. Fasola, Murray and Layton were all involved in that announcement alongside Chief Financial Officer Drew Asher.
London was tapped to succeed longtime CEO Michael Neidorff in March after he stepped back from the company with plans to retire due to health issues. Neidorff passed away in April.
Centene's leadership team has been focused on its value creation plan, which includes a broad effort to examine its business lines and other expenses, such as real estate.