The Anthem board of directors has elected Joseph R. Swedish, the Indianapolis-based health insurer's president and CEO, chairman of the board.
Mr. Swedish succeeds George A. Schaefer Jr., who will continue on the board and serve as independent lead director.
"During his tenure at Anthem, Joe has built a strong record of success through a commitment to leadership, vision and innovation," said Mr. Schaefer. "His accomplishments are even more notable given the highly transformative state of healthcare today."
Mr. Swedish has been with Anthem since March 2013, and he has helped position the company for long-term success. Most recently, Mr. Swedish led Anthem's effort to enter into a definitive agreement to acquire rival health insurer Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna.
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