Todd Walthall has been promoted to executive vice president of Markets. He will lead the nonprofit health plan’s employer, consumer and senior markets, including growth strategy, sales, account management, marketing and product development.
Walthall assumes the position previously held by David Fields, who is leaving the company to return to the Midwest to be with his family.
Walthall joined Blue Shield in 2014 as senior vice president of Customer Experience, where he led all aspects of business operations from enrollment to claims processing, and the teams responsible for delivering customer service to members. Walthall was also responsible for the development of highly personalized digital solutions – including Blue Shield’s new mobile app and website – designed to keep healthcare consumers and providers better informed.
Michael Mathias has been promoted to executive vice president of Customer Experience. He will also continue in his role as chief information officer. He will streamline the customer and technology operations and improve the customer experience at all levels of the company. Bringing Customer Experience and Information Technology under one leader will accelerate the health plan’s progress towards becoming a trusted advisor to its members.
Mathias joined Blue Shield in 2013, with more than 25 years of industry experience. Previously, he served for 16 years at Aetna, beginning as systems engineering manager and ultimately holding the positions of chief technology officer and chief information officer, directing the company’s information delivery systems and long-term technology strategy.
“I am thrilled about Todd and Michael taking on new roles to help Blue Shield advance our mission of ensuring that all Californians have access to high-quality, affordable health care,” said Paul Markovich, president and chief executive officer at Blue Shield of California. “Since arriving, both have embodied our leadership model by building high-performing teams and partnering across the company to deliver results, and I’m excited to see what more we can accomplish together.”
Contact: Clinton McGue, 415-229-5359, media@blueshieldca.com
Background on Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company’s mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $450 million over the past since 2002 to the Blue Shield of California Foundation. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com.