Mark Bertolini, 51, named new president of Aetna Inc.

Aetna Inc. has promoted Mark T. Bertolini, 51, to president.

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Most recently, Bertolini served as executive vice president and head of business operations, a position he was promoted to earlier in the year. As president, Bertolini will continue to oversee the management of Aetna's businesses and report directly to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ronald A. Williams, said Aetna.

Bertolini joined Aetna in February 2003 as senior vice president of specialty products. Since then, he was named executive vice president and head of regional businesses and was named head of business operations in May. Bertolini held positions with Cigna Corp. and NYLCare Health Plans, and was chief executive officer of SelectCare before joining Aetna.

"He is a leader with a strong focus on profitable growth, customer service and innovation, and has been an important voice in the discussion of how to transform health care," said Williams on Bertolini's appointment. "I am confident that Mark will continue to make important contributions as company president, and look forward to working with him over time as we continue to enhance the value of the company by making a difference in the lives of our members."

"As president, I will work to ensure that Aetna continues to be the company that our members, employers, health-care professionals and distribution partners prefer to do business with," said Bertolini.