Haven—the healthcare venture created by Amazon, JPMorgan and Berkshire Hathaway—has lost one of its top executives.
First reported by CNBC, Chief Operating Officer Jack Stoddard has stepped down from his role, citing the length of the commute from his home in Philadelphia to the company's Boston headquarters.
In a statement, a Haven spokeswoman confirmed Stoddard's departure.
“Jack played an important role in the early stages of Haven, but we understand his decision to leave the company for family reasons," she said. "We want to thank him for all of his contributions."
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Stoddard, an Optum veteran who left his position as digital health manager at Comcast to join Haven nine months ago, was the second of several high-profile hires for the partnership between the three companies.
The venture has garnered fierce intrigue over its secretive nature and its potential to disrupt healthcare.
Famed surgeon and writer Atul Gawande, M.D., was the first hire as the company's CEO. The company also hired Serkan Kutan, former Zocdoc chief technology officer, as its CTO. It also hired former Optum executive David Smith as director of strategy and research. (Optum sued over claims Smith was stealing trade secrets—a claim a judge later dismissed.)
In March, it was announced the company was named Haven. Company officials said they are looking to simplify healthcare and said their work may take "many forms."
"We believe it is possible to deliver simplified, high-quality and transparent healthcare at a reasonable cost," the company's website says. "We are focused on leveraging the power of data and technology to drive better incentives, a better patient experience and a better system.
“It's very difficult for the employees when we talk to them to be able to understand what's covered, to afford their coverage,” Stoddard said during testimony. “These are fulfillment center workers. These are call center workers.” He said as the team studies how these employees are using their health plans, the company is likely to significantly overhaul benefit design.