Centene leadership turnover continues through 2026 amid financial pressures
Centene has seen executive turnover across multiple levels in 2026, from state health plan leaders to the C-suite, according to Becker's Hospital Review. The insurer ended 2025 with a 91.9% medical loss ratio and a $6.7 billion loss, driven largely by a non-cash goodwill impairment tied to HR 1 and a decline in its stock price.
Among the moves reported by Becker's: Troy Hildreth left his role as president of WellCare of North Carolina, which recently received regulatory approval to merge with Carolina Complete Health under the latter's branding. Bradley Bolivar stepped into the CIO role on Aug. 31 as Brian LeClaire prepares to retire by the end of October. CFO Drew Asher is leaving at the end of 2026, with Chris Neczypor joining from Lincoln Financial in September to take over the role in January.
Other changes include Kenneth Burdick's retirement from the board effective July 28, with Paul Diaz of Cressey & Co. joining that day; Wendy Batchelder, senior vice president and chief data officer, departing as of July; Brian Ternan leaving his Health Net CEO role for GuideWell, with Eric Schmacker taking over; and chief strategy officer Pam Shipley departing for AArete. James Schlottman announced his retirement from Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and Health Net chief health equity officer Pooja Mittal, DO, also departed.
Centene confirmed buyouts to Becker's in June, with a spokesperson saying most employees could apply for the voluntary separation program. The company updated its headcount to 59,800 as of June 30, down from 61,000 previously listed. Centene reported year-over-year declines in Medicaid and Medicare membership in July, and executives said in March they anticipated nearly a 40% drop in ACA membership by year-end as the company prioritized margins.