Newark, NJ, March 01, 2011) - Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey announced today that Robert A. Marino has assumed the position of President and CEO, effective immediately. Mr. Marino, who has 38 years of experience in the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, has been an officer of the company for nearly 20 years and since 2008 has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Robert Marino replaces William J. Marino, who retired as Chairman and CEO after 17 years of leading Horizon BCBSNJ. The two are not related. Also effective today, Emmanuel Kampouris, former Chairman and CEO of American Standard, will assume the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Horizon BCBSNJ.
"Given my New Jersey roots, it is truly an honor to lead the state's oldest and largest health insurer," said Robert A. Marino, incoming President and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ. "I am humbled and energized by the opportunities created by the dynamic changes taking place in health care. I'm committed to ensuring Horizon remains a market leader by focusing on the needs of our 3.6 million members."
Robert Marino was born in Newark, the city where Horizon BCBSNJ is headquartered. A Rutgers University graduate, he began his career at Blue Shield of New Jersey, as the company was then known, 38 years ago. He spent several years at Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York City, where he served as Assistant Vice President of Professional Benefits Administration and Vice President of National Accounts. He returned to Horizon BCBSNJ and, in 1997, became Senior Vice President of Market Business Units. In 2008, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role in which he oversaw all operations, including the service, healthcare management, information technology, and sales divisions of the company.
"The Board of Directors has great confidence that Bob Marino has the experience and vision to lead Horizon and continue its success in these rapidly changing times," incoming Board Chairman Emmanuel Kampouris said. "I look forward to working with him and I share his passion for providing superior service to our 3.6 million members. He has the dedication and experience to ensure Horizon maintains its financial stability and its leadership position in the New Jersey market."
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About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer, is a not-for-profit health services corporation. Horizon BCBSNJ serves approximately 3.6 million members and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.
Horizon BCBSNJ provides a wide variety of medical, health and wellness, life insurance, worker compensation and dental insurance products and services, including Medicare and Medicaid products, for local and national businesses and individuals. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.