Onward

Dear Colleagues,

The monthly Onward communication launched in February 2021 shortly after I was named president of Aetna. In that first issue, I shared my affinity for the word “onward” and the reason behind its profound meaning to me. My father-in-law helped me understand its connection to teamwork, collaboration, leadership, progress, challenging the status quo and – most importantly – always moving forward in life. It’s been my personal mantra for a very long time so it’s fitting that my final communication to you as Aetna president is expressed in the final issue of Onward.

When I took this position, I shared how deeply honored I was to lead this incredible business of ours. I’d like to thank Karen S. Lynch and the entire CVS Health executive leadership team for their partnership. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve among you. Thank you as well to my Aetna leadership team, for your continuous leadership in navigating the evolving needs of the millions of members and customers we serve. And to all of you, I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and perseverance. I’ve been grateful every single day for the opportunity to work alongside you and add to Aetna’s 170-year history together.

There certainly have been bumps in the road, including a global pandemic, regulatory and financial headwinds, and more. Yet, we met these challenges with the strength and spirit that would make any leader proud. I’m humbled to have personally witnessed how you’ve risen to the occasion again and again.

We’ve made significant strides in our journey to improve health care – simplifying processes to create better experiences, helping the previously uninsured become insured to increase access to care, and always moving forward with and for our customers – with some of those customers dating back more than a century! We continue to evolve and identify new ways to leverage the unique breadth of our CVS Health family – whether through integrated pharmacy benefits or engagement in our retail pharmacy stores – to provide exceptional value to the people we serve. Our industry, our members and our customers are better because of the work you do.

Although my last day as president is Thursday, I’ll be staying on for some time to ensure a smooth transition to Brian A. Kane , who I admire and believe to be the right leader to build upon our momentum. Please embrace him and the opportunity you have with him as your leader like you graciously did for me.

Since announcing I would be stepping away, I’ve received dozens – if not hundreds – of emails, texts, calls and other messages of encouragement. I can’t truly express how much those have meant to me – but thank you.

I’ve been vocal about my strong belief and optimism for the future of CVS Health, our bold health care delivery strategy and the integral role Aetna will play in improving health care for all. I’ll be applauding all the good ahead!

So for now and, one last time, I say to you…

Onward!