Cigna announced today that longtime CEO David Cordani will be stepping down, with company veteran Brian Evanko set to succeed him. Cordani’s departure comes after 27 years leading the health insurance giant, a period marked by significant industry shifts and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Evanko, currently president of Cigna, is expected to assume the CEO role immediately. He has been with Cigna for over two decades, holding various leadership positions and playing a key role in the company’s strategic direction and growth. Details regarding the transition timeline and Evanko's initial priorities were not immediately disclosed.

Cordani’s tenure as CEO has seen Cigna navigate a complex healthcare landscape, including the Affordable Care Act’s implementation, evolving consumer expectations, and rising healthcare costs. Under his leadership, Cigna has expanded its services and geographic reach through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, including the 2018 acquisition of Express Scripts, a major pharmacy benefit manager. This move significantly broadened Cigna’s footprint in the healthcare sector.

The announcement arrives as health insurers, including Cigna, face heightened scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers regarding pricing practices, coverage denials, and the impact of healthcare costs on consumers. The industry is grappling with challenges related to drug pricing, transparency, and ensuring access to affordable care. Evanko will inherit these challenges as he takes the helm of Cigna, and his leadership will be closely watched as the company addresses these ongoing concerns and adapts to the changing healthcare environment.

Cigna is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, serving millions of members through various plans and programs. The company’s operations span health insurance, pharmacy benefits, dental, vision, and behavioral health services.