Banner|Aetna CEO Tom Grote recognized as 'Most Admired Leader' by Phoenix Business Journal

CEO of Arizona-based health insurer honored for his outstanding work driving collaboration and results

Phoenix, AZ (May 2, 2023): Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, announced CEO Tom Grote was named a Most Admired Leader by the Phoenix Business Journal, the most widely read business publication in Arizona. The prestigious annual award honors executives from diverse industries for their professional accomplishments and community leadership. 

Grote’s innovative thinking and collaborative spirit as founding CEO have 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 sustainable cost savings and improved care quality for members. Guided by Grote’s passion for improving health care, the company also expanded to enter into the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, which broadened access to coverage for individuals and families across six counties in the state.

“I truly believe collaboration is the best path forward to sustainable health care solutions,” said Grote. “As the leader of an agile company with access to resources from powerhouse parent organizations, I am constantly working toward Banner|Aetna’s evolution to better meet the needs of Arizonans.”

With Grote at the helm, Banner|Aetna will continue to focus its efforts on finding novel solutions for persistent pain points in health care, like prior authorization and the management of behavioral health.

Grote and other honorees of this year’s Phoenix Business Journal Most Admired Leaders Award will be honored at an exclusive gala at the Phoenix Art Museum on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Details about the award and the full list of winners are available here.

About Banner|Aetna
Banner|Aetna is a health insurance company focusing on bettering member outcomes at a lower cost, all while improving the overall member experience for employers and consumers in Arizona. The collaboration combines Banner Health’s high-quality, local providers and delivery systems with Aetna’s health-plan experience, care management and health information technology. Banner|Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit banneraetna.com.

About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 30 acute-care hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits, and Banner operates a free 24/7 nurse line for health questions or concerns. Patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.

About CVS Health
CVS Health^® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media Contact:
Sarah McLeod
Activate Health
smcleod@activatehealth.com
480.352.1044