Managing director Peter Thies was quoted in the Health Payer Specialist article, “Evanko Tasked With 'Reevaluating the Empire' as He Ascends to Cigna CEO."
Evanko understands the business, but as a first-time CEO, he has never had to lead a board before. Many first-time CEOs struggle to do so at first, said Peter Thies, managing director at Pearl Meyer.
"You kind of have to expect that you're going to see a different version of the board when you're the CEO than you did when you are a C-suite leader, even though you all attended the same board meetings," Thies said.
If Evanko slips up or doesn't manage those relationships, the board may be tempted to turn to a familiar face. Cordani will still sit on the board as executive chairman.
"In a case where the incumbent CEO stays on in an executive chair role, the big question is, will the board still treat the new CEO like the CEO, or will they still be talking to the former CEO and making it harder for Brian?" Thies said.
The full Health Pay Specialist article is available to subscribers.