Dennis Matheis, a former Anthem executive, will succeed Michael Dudley as president and CEO of Optima Health in Virginia Beach, Va., and senior corporate vice president of Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare.
Here are four things to know.
1. Mr. Dudley will retire from his post Dec. 31 following 21 years with the health plan.
2. Mr. Matheis will assume his role at Optima Health Nov. 1. Mr. Dudley and Mr. Matheis will work together for two months prior to Mr. Dudley's transition into a year-long executive role within Sentara.
3. Mr. Matheis spent the last 13 years with Indianapolis-based Anthem. Most recently, he was president of Anthem's central region and exchanges and integration leader for the proposed Anthem-Cigna merger.
4. Mr. Matheis previously served as chief executive at the physician arm of Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care. He also worked for Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana.