Cigna Healthcare Appoints Dr. Stanley Crittenden as Chief Medical Officer

He succeeds Dr. Amy Flaster, who was promoted last year to serve as CMO of the broader Cigna organization, including its Evernorth health services unit.

Cigna Healthcare has appointed Dr. Stanley Crittenden as chief medical officer (CMO) of its health benefits division, effective March 23, the company announced. He succeeds Dr. Amy Flaster, who was promoted last year to serve as CMO of the broader Cigna organization, including its Evernorth health services unit.

In his new role, Crittenden will oversee the implementation of clinical programs and help shape the company’s clinical strategy. His appointment comes as health insurers navigate rising medical costs and increasing demand for personalized and cost-effective care delivery.

Crittenden joins Cigna from Quantum Health, where he served as enterprise chief medical officer, leading clinical strategy and program development. He previously held leadership roles, including chief medical officer at Evergreen Nephrology, and medical director positions at Anthem and Humana.

Cigna said Crittenden will focus on advancing clinical programs aimed at improving care quality and patient experience. Commenting on the appointment, Amy Flaster said his experience in healthcare innovation and building clinical teams would support the company’s efforts to deliver personalized and affordable care.

The leadership change is part of broader shifts within Cigna over the past year. The company recently announced that Chief Operating Officer Brian Evanko will become CEO following the planned retirement of David Cordani in July.

The appointment also comes amid financial pressures across the health insurance sector, with rising medical costs impacting margins. Earlier this year, Cigna reduced its workforce by approximately 2,000 employees as part of cost-cutting measures.

Despite these challenges, the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, with adjusted revenue rising 10% and operational income increasing 16% year over year. While revenue at Cigna Healthcare declined following the sale of its Medicare Advantage business, operational income improved due to higher premiums in its stop-loss insurance segment.

Cigna is expected to report its first-quarter earnings later in April.

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