UnitedHealth Group’s Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, named Ben Eklo chief financial officer, effective Nov. 1.
Here are five things to know:
1. Mr. Eklo has spent 18 years with the company, a spokesperson told Becker’s, and he replaces Roger Connor, who was named CFO of Optum in May.
2. UnitedHealth told Becker’s that Mr. Connor will remain with the organization for a period of time to ensure a seamless handoff.
3. “This change reflects our broad commitment toward optimal execution across the company that will help drive improved performance for years to come,” the spokesperson said.
4. The move follows several recent changes at UnitedHealth. In May, former CEO Andrew Witty was replaced by former CEO Stephen Hemsley, and in June, Patrick Conway, MD, succeeded Amar Desai, MD, as CEO of Optum Health while continuing as CEO of Optum. Sandeep Dadlani now leads Optum Insight, succeeding Mr. Connor.
5. In August, SCA Health acquired U.S. Digestive Health, adding 24 ASCs and more than 40 GI practice sites in Pennsylvania and Delaware to its platform. Also in August, Optum acquired a 200-provider Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tenn.
