Michael Guyette announces decision to step down as president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Eagan, Minn. (February 13, 2018) — After five years as president and chief executive officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), Michael Guyette has informed the company’s Board of Trustees that he will leave in March to pursue another CEO leadership opportunity. The Board has named Kathleen Blatz, a current Blue Cross board member, to serve as interim CEO. A search for a new CEO has been initiated by the Board. 

“On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank Mike for his successful leadership over the past five years,” said current Board Chair Rita Heise. “During a time of unprecedented change, Mike was able to grow our overall membership and successfully navigate Blue Cross through many complexities and transformations. He launched multiple innovation efforts and new diversified businesses while simultaneously strengthening our core health insurance operations. The Board is very grateful for all of Mike’s accomplishments and we wish him the very best in his new role.” 

Guyette will join VSP Global as CEO, where he will lead a global vision business that includes retail, manufacturing, innovation and insurance.

Guyette joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in January 2013. In addition to his role as president and chief executive officer, he served as a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Board of Trustees and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Board.

Guyette will closely collaborate with Blatz over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

“Kathleen Blatz is uniquely qualified to lead this organization during the search for a new CEO,” added Heise. “Her vast legislative and legal expertise have brought tremendous value to the Board, and she has the full trust and confidence of the Blue Cross executive leadership team. I am confident that Kathleen will build on Mike’s accomplishments as Blue Cross continues to move forward on implementing key strategies and serving our non-profit mission of making a healthy difference in people’s lives. The company could not be in better hands."