Banner|Aetna Names John Byrnes as COO

Insurer Fills Out C-Suite, Prepares For Next Chapter of Growth and Innovation

Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health plan and one of the leaders in innovative, value-based care in Arizona, has announced John Byrnes as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Byrnes will manage daily operations and lead the company’s strategic efforts to provide quality, accessible, and integrated care.

Byrnes brings more than 15 years of experience in operations and strategy, including over a decade at CVS Health/Aetna, where he led the development and execution of strategic priorities across multiple functions spanning Government Affairs, Consumer Products, and Enterprise Strategy. He most recently served as Executive Director of Clinical and Network Operations, leading strategic improvements in business processes, care delivery, and provider collaboration across healthcare systems nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John to our executive team,” said Victoria Coley, Banner|Aetna CEO. “His deep understanding of healthcare operations and ability to translate strategy into execution will accelerate our mission to deliver quality, cost-effective care to Arizona communities. John’s expertise is exactly what we need as we evolve for the future.”

Through this executive leadership addition, Banner|Aetna expects to provide its members with smoother care experiences and more personalized support, while brokers and provider partners should benefit from streamlined operations. People throughout the state will have greater access to valued, coordinated care as the plan builds on its operational strength.

“I am thrilled to join such a respected organization that is providing innovative and affordable health care services for residents across Arizona,” said Byrnes. “Together with this talented team, I’m confident in our collective ability to help break down barriers to care and deliver solutions that empower our members in their healthcare journey.”

For more information about Banner|Aetna, visit banneraetna.com.

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 33 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 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 a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had more than 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 36 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

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