Wanted: A chief executive to lead a 76-year-old insurance company through a jungle of regulatory challenges, legacy business upheaval and new competition.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, western Missouri's largest insurer, is now looking for a new chief executive with the retirement of president and CEO David Gentile.
After working at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Gentile came to BCBS Kansas City in 1991 -- serving as COO of subsidiary TriSource Health, VP of managed care and chief strategy officer, among other roles -- and has held the job of CEO for most of the new-Affordable Care Act era, since December 2010.
At age 61, he is retiring amid "bouts with back-related health problems," the company said in a media release.
"I am honored to have been part of this organization for more than 23 years, been part of the leadership of the Blue Cross Blue Shield system for more than 33 years, and to have led Blue KC through a time of tumultuous change," Gentile said.
"I am also proud to have played a substantial part in the initiative to improve healthcare quality and access to help people live healthier lives," Gentile went on. "Now, I am retiring early so I can focus on my own health and spend more time with my family."
As a national search for a new president and CEO gets underway, chief marketing executive and head of external operations Danette Wilson will manage the company as interim president and CEO.