Houston-based hospital operator Emerus has named a new executive chairman and CEO.
Craig Goguen, who has served as CEO of Emerus since 2016, will become executive chairman. Current Emerus President Vic Schmerbeck will assume the role of CEO and join the board of directors, effective April 1.
The changes mark a five-year period of growth and expansion for the hospital operator, which employs 2,000. When Mr. Goguen was named CEO, the organization operated 21 hospitals. Today, Emerus operates, or has under development, 44 small-format community hospitals in partnership with 10 health systems. Current board chair Bob Lefton said the company is better in nearly every way since Mr. Goguen became CEO.
"Given our journey and current state, I am confident in a seamless transition to Vic as CEO," said Mr. Goguen. "I've had the privilege of working with Vic over the past five years, and I have seen the value and insights he brings to the organization. I am excited for the next chapter under his leadership, and I look forward to continuing to serve Vic and the company as executive chairman."
"I am truly humbled by the opportunity to follow Craig as Emerus CEO," Mr. Schmerbeck said. "Craig will leave big shoes to fill. I look forward to officially taking the reins from him and embracing the headwinds and many opportunities before Emerus in 2022 and beyond. Our organization is uniquely positioned in the market, and I am excited about the significant growth opportunities in front of us and our ability to execute on them. It's a great time to be at Emerus."