Rob Hitchcock, president and CEO of Select Health, was named an honoree for CEO of the Year by Utah Business magazine, recognizing his leadership in the healthcare industry.

Each year, Utah Business magazine honors the state's most accomplished business professionals—the CEOs who exhibit strength, vision, courage, and endurance in leading their organizations. These leaders have dedicated themselves to shaping and transforming Utah's business landscape. Notably, the award recipients are selected by the previous year's winners, adding a unique sense of recognition from fellow peers.

“I am honored to receive this award alongside such exceptional leaders,” said Rob Hitchcock, president and CEO at Select Health. “This award highlights the significance of teamwork and dedication within our organization. At Select Health, success is a collective effort, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to teamwork and excellence."

Hitchcock was appointed interim CEO at Select Health in November 2022, subsequently filling the position permanently in February 2023. He has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience spanning both publicly traded and nonprofit health plans and providers. His career has taken him across the nation, but with local ties to Utah he was thrilled to return and finish his career at Select Health.

Since joining Select Health, Hitchcock was instrumental in guiding the organization through the Medicaid unwinding and re-enrollment period following the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. His leadership was pivotal in coordinating efforts with Select Health’s leaders to tackle a statewide effort, resulting in the successful enrollment of over 33,000 Utah residents—no longer eligible for Medicaid—onto Individual health plans.

Hitchcock has embraced a vision for growth. He led Select Health’s successful introduction of Individual and Medicare plans in Colorado and announced a partnership with UCHealth, a prominent Colorado-based healthcare system, offering Select Health members access to UCHealth's extensive network of medical facilities and practitioners. 

In addition to expanding Select Health’s market presence, Hitchcock led the organization in fostering new collaborations to revolutionize and lower prescription drug prices by teaming up with Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs. Through this innovative relationship, Select Health members will have access to more than 1,000 prescription products at potentially lower prices than traditional pharmacy locations. 

Additionally, Select Health added new co-branded Medicare Advantage plans with Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. The plan offerings increased access and options to services that promote health and wellness and provide customer savings on groceries and prescription medications. These actions, among others, show a commitment to enhancing member experiences, improving product offerings, and advancing care solutions.

Select Health's growth and innovation under Hitchcock's leadership highlights his dedication to creating healthier communities across the regions served by the organization, while also solidifying Select Health's role as a health leader in the Mountain West.

Congratulations, Rob!

To read more about Utah Business’s CEO of the Year Awards, visit here.

Photo credit: Utah Business Magazine