Cigna Group has appointed Andrea Nelson as its new chief legal officer, advancing her from her previous role leading the company’s legal team focused on corporate and regulatory strategy, mergers and acquisitions, investment activities, and securities matters. Nelson’s promotion comes after serving six years in various legal leadership positions at Cigna, including as chief counsel for Evernorth, the company’s health services branch.
Nelson, who joined Cigna through the acquisition of Express Scripts Holding Co. in 2018, played a crucial role in integrating the two companies. Her new role sees her succeeding Nicole Jones, who has served as Cigna’s chief legal officer since 2011. Jones will now focus on her expanded roles as general counsel and chief administrative officer, while Nelson will continue to report directly to her. Nelson officially started her new position on Monday.
The appointment follows a strong financial performance by Cigna in the second quarter, surpassing analysts’ expectations amid a challenging period for U.S. health insurers. The company, which operates through its health benefits division Cigna Healthcare and its Evernorth Health Services branch, has also been active in significant transactions.
Earlier this year, Cigna agreed to divest its Medicare Advantage unit to Health Care Service Corp. for $3.3 billion, a move aimed at facilitating future growth and strategic combinations. The transaction, advised by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and other legal experts, is expected to close by early 2025.
In addition to her new role, Nelson will oversee talent recruitment, budgeting, diversity initiatives, and legal functions. She began her career at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease before serving as general counsel for CastiaRx and working with Express Scripts.
Jones will retain oversight of several executive functions beyond legal, including communications, community programs, compliance, risk management, government affairs, human resources, and regulatory matters. Cigna recently adjusted her compensation to reflect her increased responsibilities.
Cigna has also seen other executive shifts, including the promotion of Kari Knight Stevens to chief human resources officer and Geneva Campbell Brown to chief sustainability and diversity officer. The company continues to evolve its leadership team to support its strategic objectives.
