Aetna’s new corporate headquarters in New York
Health insurance giant Aetna is moving its corporate headquarters from Hartford, Connecticut to New York City by the end of 2018.
The move will result in addition of hundreds of new jobs in the New York State. Aetna stated that the decision is a "key step in evolving from an insurer to a health company focused on consumers and their communities".
The Empire State Development has offered Aetna $24 million in performance-based tax credits delivered over 10 years for the relocation, according to the statement. Over the next five years, Aetna will add 250 senior positions to the new headquarters at 61 Ninth Avenue in Chelsea and invest $84 million to fit out and equip the 145,000 square foot facility.
Prior to their decision to relocate to New York, Aetna said it considered a number of other cities.
Aetna chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini, said: "New York City is a knowledge economy hub, and a driver of the innovations that will play a significant part in our ongoing transformation.
"Many of the roles in our new office will be filled by innovators from the area’s deep talent pool, which will be an invaluable resource as we consider additional investments in the city going forward. I thank Gov. Cuomo and his team for their partnership throughout this process, and look forward to working closely with Mayor de Blasio as we build on our role as a responsible corporate citizen."
Aetna already has an established presence in the city, including operations in Harlem.
Andrew Mark Cuomo, Governor of New York State, commented: "Aetna’s decision to call New York home is another testament to the Empire State’s extraordinary economic momentum. New York has a deep, diverse talent pool and pro-growth environment that businesses need to succeed, and today more companies are choosing New York to grow and diversify their business.
"By relocating to New York and bringing another 250 jobs to the state, Aetna is sending a clear signal that New York is open for business," he added.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, stated: "New York City is where talent and technology come together. We’ve never been stronger, and that’s why companies like Aetna and their workers want to be here. We’re proud to support its move to the city."
The company announced that the move will have minimal impact on its Connecticut-based associates. Several of Aetna’s key businesses will remain primarily based in Hartford, and the consumer health and services team will continue to operate out of Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Aetna further stated that its long-term commitment to Connecticut will be based on the state’s economic health. "The company remains hopeful that lawmakers will come to an agreement that puts Connecticut on sound financial footing, and that the state will support needed reforms to make Hartford a vibrant city once again."
Aetna, Health insurance, New York, Hartford, Headquarters, US
