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Jeff Immelt, former chief executive officer of General Electric (GE), has been named chairman of Massachusetts-based digital health company Athenahealth.
Immelt is one of the most respected leaders in the healthcare industry. He's credited for helping GE Healthcare grow from a $3 billion enterprise to a $20 billion innovator, and diversifying its portfolio from imaging to life science and digital services.
Athenahealth wants to utilize Immelt's digital expertise to advance the company’s platform and profitable growth strategies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff as the new independent chairman of the Athenahealth Board,” said Dev Ittycheria, chair of the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. “Having considered a number of highly qualified candidates, the Board determined that Jeff’s deep expertise and broad relationships in the healthcare industry, combined with his drive for industry transformation through innovation, ideally position him to be a great partner to the Board and management team as we work to profitably grow and scale the Company and drive value creation.”
Jonathan Bush, Athenahealth’s chief executive officer, added: “Jeff shares our vision for more connected, efficient, and human-centered healthcare; and like us, believes a platform-oriented business and technology strategy is fundamental to executing against that vision. His appointment as chairman is one of many important steps the Company has taken over the past year to enhance the Board and management team, as well as to strengthen and focus our operational and go-to-market strategy."
Immelt said: “[...] Athenahealth has great potential to drive the next wave of disruptive change across the healthcare industry, particularly among medical practices, hospitals, and health systems that are challenged by administrative burden and data silos. I look forward to lending my perspectives and expertise to support Jonathan, the Board and the athenahealth team in athenahealth’s own journey to grow and scale.”
The company further announced that Immelt will make a financial investment in Athenahealth, and plans to purchase approximately $1 million of Athenahealth common stock in the open market.
General Electric, Athenahealth, Appointment, Jonathan Bush, Jeff Immelt, US
