Michael Guyette is leaving Eagan-based health insurer Blue Cross to become the president and CEO of VSP Global.
Guyette has served as the president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota since 2013. He will be leaving the company in March 2018.
Blue Cross has appointed its board member Kathleen Blatz to serve as an interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement. Guyette will closely collaborate with Blatz over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition, it said.
At VSP Global, Guyette will lead a global business that includes vision care health insurance, retail, manufacturing and innovation. He has more than 20 years of experience in building, growing and leading large health plan organizations.
"On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank Mike for his successful leadership over the past five years," said current Board Chair Rita Heise. "During a time of unprecedented change, Mike was able to grow our overall membership and successfully navigate Blue Cross through many complexities and transformations.
"He launched multiple innovation efforts and new diversified businesses while simultaneously strengthening our core health insurance operations. The Board is very grateful for all of Mike's accomplishments and we wish him the very best in his new role."
Guyette said: "VSP Global is a unique company within the optical industry but also throughout the broader healthcare industry, with an important ability to take a long-term view of its work in expanding access to eye care and eyewear. I am eager to spend time listening to and talking with VSP network doctors, clients, members and employees to gain a deeper perspective of our go-forward strategy and future possibilities."
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Resignation, Michael Guyette, Appointment, VSP Global, Health, US
