John Watts is president and CEO of WellPoint's Commercial and Consumer Business Strategic Business Unit (SBU). Mr. Watts directs WellPoint's individual, group (small and large) and national business. He also oversees WellPoint's UniCare and HealthLink businesses, along with, marketing, finance, actuarial and project management for the business units he manages. Mr. Watts also directs Healthcare Management, Marketing and a new product and consumer innovation unit, which will focus on creating industry-leading, innovative products for WellPoint's members. He brings to his present position exceptional experience, having directed multiple customer segments in multiple geographies.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Watts was president and CEO of the National Accounts Strategic Business Unit (SBU). The National Accounts SBU serves WellPoint's largest, Blue multi-state employers, which represent a growing share of the company's membership. He was also responsible for managing the company's consumer-driven health care business, including Lumenos, a leader in the development of innovative, consumer-driven products.
When Anthem, Inc. merged with WellPoint Health Networks Inc. in November 2004 and was subsequently renamed WellPoint, Inc., Mr. Watts was serving as chief executive officer and president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa). An operating subsidiary of WellPoint, BCBSGa serves approximately 3.2 million medical members and is the oldest and largest health benefits company in Georgia. Prior to his appointment as president and chief executive officer for BCBSGA, Mr. Watts was the senior vice president for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia's Large Group Division.
He previously served as acting senior vice president, UniCare commercial accounts for the WellPoint's Large Group Division eastern and southern and central regions. In this role, he was responsible for the UniCare Health Plans integration as well as managing profit and loss, enrollment, claims, customer service, membership, and account management for all Large Group customer segments. Prior to that, Mr. Watts was general manager of Blue Cross of California's Large Group Services key and major accounts serving employer groups of 51-2,000 employees. Mr. Watts joined Blue Cross of California in 1995 as a regional director responsible for the Los Angeles sales office.
Before joining the Company, Mr. Watts held management positions with HealthNet and Northwestern National Life Insurance company.
Mr. Watts received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles. |