Sources indicate Coventry is still seeking a leader for the workers compensation business at First Health, although they have assigned the task to an outside search firm after their internal recruiters came up empty.
Spencer Stuart’s Chicago office is handling the search. Spencer is an interesting choice as the firm is not known as a major player in staffing for the managed care, health insurance, or HMO sectors. They are using their own internal resources, bolstered by a list from Coventry of individuals that have been vetted and found wanting. While this may help reduce the number of false negatives Spencer encounters, the firm may also encounter difficulty filling the slot if Coventry allows First Health’s present customers to weigh in on the decision.
Several sources have indicated that Coventry has asked present customers their opinions of previous candidates, and these opinions have had an impact on the company’s selection process.
In any event, given the significant profit contribution of the work comp business (11% of Coventry’s net comes from work comp) this is a key hire. And the fact that they have been looking since February with no apparent success demonstrates the difficulty inherent in finding a candidate who understands the HMO industry, knows workers comp, has a solid reputation among First Health customers, and can lead a customer-service-challenged company forward.
What does this mean for you?
Either very little or quite a lot.
Sep
21
