Athenahealth named former GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt the chairman of its board of directors, effective Feb. 7.
Here's what you should know:
1. Mr. Immelt will serve as the board's independent chairman.
2. He is widely lauded for his efforts to advance digitization across the healthcare industry.
3. While at GE, Mr. Immelt grew the company into a $20 billion enterprise. He broadened GE's portfolio and helped develop new leadership positions within the company.
4. Mr. Immelt said of the appointment, "I have long been inspired by founder-led companies and their ability to outperform and out-innovate peers. In this regard, I have great respect for all that athenahealth has accomplished and its passionate culture, which has been such an important contributor to the Company’s success. athenahealth has great potential to drive the next wave of disruptive change across the healthcare industry, particularly among medical practices, hospitals, and health systems that are challenged by administrative burden and data silos."
5. Athenahealth said the appointment is the latest in a series of strategic initiatives to "create a more focused and efficient company," built around increased profits and shareholder value.
6. Mr. Immelt is making a financial investment in athenahealth, purchasing approximately $1 million of athenahealth's common stock as well.