Celebrating Success: Tom Grote Recognized for Leadership Contributions to Top Healthcare Companies

For decades, Tom Grote has been forging change within some of the country’s top healthcare companies. He has helped launch three pioneering health insurance joint ventures, including Aetna’s first. And his experience navigating many healthcare industry evolutions, like value-based care, payvider collaboration, and technology-driven care delivery solutions, helps him lead Banner|Aetna today.

As founding chief executive officer of Banner|Aetna, Tom seamlessly bridged the gap between two top healthcare companies: Banner Health, the largest care delivery system in Arizona, and one of the nation's largest insurers, Aetna, a CVS Health company. The joint venture health insurance organization splits accountability for profits and losses between its insurer and provider parent organizations, giving each equal incentive to collaborate and connect members with the right level of care at the right time. This alignment is unique and allows richer data sharing and more interoperability across member touchpoints, resulting in sustainable cost savings and improved care quality.

Tom’s innovative thinking and collaborative spirit has led Banner|Aetna to become the fastest-growing health plan in Arizona. He has championed the rapid adoption of innovative products and solutions to deliver reduced cost and improved care for members. Under his leadership, the company also expanded to enter the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, which broadened access to coverage for individuals and families in the state.

These remarkable achievements have earned Tom recognition as a business leader and numerous awards, where he is named among executives of other top healthcare companies. His accolades include being honored as the 2023 Most Admired Leader by Phoenix Business Journal, named a Phoenix Titan 100, recognized as an AzBusiness Leader and named a Champion of Change award finalist by AZ Big Media. Tom’s dedication extends beyond his work at Banner|Aetna to his impactful volunteerism with the Phoenix American Heart Association. Personally touched by the organization's mission, Tom led the 2022 Phoenix Heart Walk as Chair, raising over $1.5 million and earning recognition as Executive Volunteer of the Year. He also serves on the board of the Phoenix American Heart Association.