Wellness program provider, Healthways, Inc. announced that Ben R. Leedle, Jr. has stepped down as Director, President & Chief Executive Officer. The Healthways Board of Directors has appointed Alfred Lumsdaine, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, to serve as interim Chief Executive Officer until it selects a successor. The process to identify a permanent CEO will be led by the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, which will consider both internal and external candidates. Leedle had served as CEO since 2003.
The company did not provide a reason for Leedle’s departure; however, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to the Company’s growth strategy, as previously decided against selling the company. The board unanimously decided to focus on growing the company as a stand-alone public company to improve shareholder value.
Healthways uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities. The company provides highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participant’s health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs. Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population.
Mr. Leedle commented, “I am proud to have overseen Healthways transition from a disease management business to the acknowledged leader in total population health management. I am thankful to each and every colleague for their support, dedication and excellence.”
