Bernard J. Tyson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, unexpectedly passed away Sunday morning in his sleep at the age of 60.
Tyson assumed the role of CEO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. and Hospitals — known as Kaiser Permanente — in 2013, and was named chairman of the board of directors in 2014. His career at Kaiser Permanente spanned more than 30 years, and he had served in roles from hospital administrator and division president to chief operating officer.
When Tyson became CEO in 2013, Kaiser Permanente had 9.1 million members, employed a workforce of 174,000, included 17,000 physicians, and generated $53 billion in annual revenue. Today the organization provides care and coverage to 12.3 million members, has a workforce of 218,000 employees, includes 23,000 physicians, and annual revenue of more than $82.8 billion.
The board of directors has named Gregory A. Adams, executive vice president and group president, as interim chairman and CEO. He has more than 25 years of leadership experience as a senior health care executive and strategic consultant. He started his career with Kaiser Permanente in Southern California in 1999 and has held a number of executive leadership positions within the organization.
“Bernard was an exceptional colleague, a passionate leader, and an honorable man. We will greatly miss him,” said board member Edward Pei, chair of the Executive Committee and the Governance, Accountability and Nominating Committee, in a statement. “The board has full confidence in Greg Adams’ ability to lead Kaiser Permanente through this unexpected transition.”
