Gregory Deavens, the President and CEO of Independence Health Group, the parent company of Independence Blue Cross, will retire at the end of 2025.
Deavens became CEO in January 2021 and has led Independence with unwavering dedication and vision, playing a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth, success, and innovation. It was also announced that Deavens and the Board of Directors have appointed Dr. Richard L. Snyder, Executive Vice President of Health Services at Independence, to the position of Chief Operating Officer, ensuring continued prioritization of commitments to members, customers, and providers.
During Deavens’s tenure as CEO, Independence has experienced consolidated revenue growth from $21.8 billion at the end of 2020 to more than $31 billion. The company, through its subsidiaries, covers members across the country and has more than 14,000 employees. Deavens stewarded the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, a technology platform transformation, a major expansion of behavioral health access, and a drive to improve health outcomes for all members.
Under Deavens’s leadership, IBX convened the Regional Coalition to Eliminate Race-Based Medicine with health systems in the region leading to the successful transitioning away from race adjustments in clinical tools, resulting in more patients being added to kidney transplant lists and receiving transplants. Additionally, Deavens emphasized working with diverse and disadvantaged suppliers to drive inclusive economic growth in the businesses and the communities served by Independence.
His contributions have been instrumental in continuing Independence’s position as a leader in the healthcare industry. He joined the organization as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in January 2017 before ascending to the CEO role.
“We appreciate Greg’s steady leadership during an incredibly dynamic time in the healthcare industry,” said Charles Pizzi, Chairman of the Independence Health Group Board of Directors. “Under his direction, the company experienced significant revenue growth while deploying new initiatives and implementing important changes that will enable us to compete effectively well into the future. Greg’s unwavering commitment to the communities we serve is reflected by the high regard and stature he receives locally and nationally.”
“After eight incredible years with Independence — the last four as President and CEO — this is the right time for me and the company to initiate a leadership transition,” said Deavens. “I have achieved a great deal in my career and am looking forward to my next chapter. As Independence builds out its strategy for the next five years, I felt it was best to have a CEO in place who’d be executing that plan. It has been an honor for me to serve a company that is incredibly committed to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and equitable for all in the communities that we serve. I have been passionate about ensuring that we have the right talent to lead the company into the future and advancing our brand and reputation as a healthcare leader nationally. Our company has exceptional capabilities and a dedicated workforce that position it well for future success. I will forever cherish my experience at Independence and the committed colleagues and friends that I have had the pleasure to work with in addressing the healthcare needs of our members and communities.”
Deavens is and will remain Chairman of the AmeriHealth Caritas Board of Directors through 2025. AmeriHealth Caritas is a nationally recognized Medicaid managed care company that is jointly owned by Independence and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM).
“I am incredibly proud of the work that Independence and BCBSM have done together to enable the growth of AmeriHealth Caritas into a national leader in services to individuals and families covered by Medicaid in 13 states and the District of Columbia,” said Deavens.
Deavens also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. He is a member of the boards for Alegeus Technologies, America’s Health Insurance Plans, BCS Financial Corporation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, National Institute for Health Care Management, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Barnes Foundation.
Deavens was recognized by Modern Healthcare multiple times as one of the 100 most influential people in healthcare and for Excellence in Governance; and by Savoy Magazine as one the Most Influential Black Executives in America.
“A special committee of the Board has been formed to conduct a national search for Greg’s successor,” said Pizzi. “In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Rich will aid in the leadership transition and ensure our continued focus on members, customers, and providers.”
“Rich’s appointment underscores Independence’s commitment to a seamless leadership transition,” said Deavens. “Rich is a very accomplished and respected leader in the company and the communities that we serve.”
“I appreciate the confidence that Greg and the Board of Directors have in me to help support this critical leadership transition,” said Dr. Snyder. “I look forward to ensuring a continued focus on providing access to high quality, affordable healthcare for our members, while serving the needs of our customers and providers.”
With Independence since 1997, Dr. Snyder is a seasoned physician executive with extensive experience leading the organization’s care delivery strategy and working with hospitals and health systems to improve access, member experience, health outcomes, and affordability of healthcare for members. Snyder has strong relationships and a distinguished reputation inside and outside the company as well as regionally and nationally. He will have accountability for the company’s business segments, operations, and technology.
Learn more about how Independence Blue Cross strives for the health and wellness of its members by giving them the resources they need to live every day better.
