Geisinger CEO forgoes chief exec role at Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan health company

Alyssa Rege -

Geisinger President and CEO David T. Feinberg, MD, who was reportedly one of the top contenders for the chief executive role at the Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase healthcare venture, said he will remain at the Danville, Pa.-based health system, CNBC reports.

People close to the hiring process told CNBC Dr. Feinberg was at one time highly considered for the position. However, Dr. Feinberg confirmed to the publication through a spokesperson he would not be leaving the health system.

"I appreciate being part of the conversation, which I believe reflects the accomplishments of the entire Geisinger team. I personally remain 100 percent committed to Geisinger and remain excited about the work we are doing and the opportunities ahead as we continue to deliver exceptional care to our patients, our members and our communities," he said.

Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett told CNBC June 7 the companies have selected a CEO for the venture and will publicly name the individual within two weeks. Sources familiar with the matter told CNBC the organizations did not announced the appointment June 7 because Dr. Feinberg declined the job.

Sources said the top 10 candidates for the position were asked to write a white paper detailing how they would fix the healthcare system, according to the report. From there, the companies narrowed down the candidate pool to three individuals. All three reportedly spoke with Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan, who referred his top two choices to Mr. Buffett, who passed along his top choice to Amazon Chairman, Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.

One of the three finalists was Owen Tripp, co-founder and CEO of healthcare company Grand Rounds.

Sources told CNBC Dr. Feinberg had been advising the group since the companies announced the venture in January, and emerged as a top contender for the role. He has led the 13-hospital Geisinger Health System since 2015.

Berkshire Hathaway Investment Manager Todd Combs has been the lead recruiter on the venture, CNBC previously reported. Other candidates who have been approached for the role include former CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt, former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park, and Gary Loveman, former senior vice president of Aetna.

To access the CNBC report, click here.

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