GuideWell appoints Brian D. Pieninck president & CEO

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation has appointed Brian D. Pieninck as its next president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective Oct. 1. Currently president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Board Chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors, in his new role Pieninck will also lead Florida Blue, GuideWell's largest subsidiary and oversee the strategic direction and performance of all GuideWell subsidiaries including Triple-S Management, the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in Puerto Rico.

Pieninck succeeds Pat Geraghty, who announced in March that he will retire from GuideWell and Florida Blue after 14 years during which the enterprise evolved from an $8 billion health insurance company into a $32 billion Fortune 500 health solutions company serving more than 38 million people across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. GuideWell's success during Geraghty's tenure was driven by the exceptionally strong culture and employee engagement he fostered which resulted in the company earning numerous awards, including being certified as a Great Place to Work nationally.

Thomas G. Kuntz, chair of the GuideWell and Florida Blue boards of directors, said, "Brian is a seasoned, visionary health care leader with strong insurance operations and technology experience who shares GuideWell's values and commitment to helping people and communities achieve better health. He is well-equipped to lead GuideWell through the next phase of its evolution, and to navigate the challenges of the current environment with a focus on our mission and our members.  We are delighted to have him join our talented team."

Pieninck began his tenure at CareFirst in 2015 as executive vice president of the Large Group Strategic Business Unit and became the company's chief operating officer two years later. He has served as CareFirst's president and CEO since 2018, leading a team of over 8,000 employees serving roughly 3.5 million lives across Maryland, the District of Columbia and portions of Virginia. 

Prior to joining CareFirst, Pieninck spent 19 years in key leadership roles with Aetna Inc. In addition to chairing the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Board of Directors, he is a member of the board of the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH), the Morgan State University Board of Regents, the Federal Employee Program Board of Managers and multiple civic and public-service organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business studies and business administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

"I am deeply proud of our team and what we have accomplished," Geraghty said. "It is my pleasure to turn the reins over to Brian Pieninck, someone I have known and worked with on the BCBSA Board and for whom I have great admiration."

Pieninck said, "At the heart of GuideWell and Florida Blue, is an impeccable legacy of member focus, innovation, community commitment, and dedication to improving health care affordability and access. I am honored to contribute to that legacy and look forward to working with the board, leadership, and our teammates to build on Pat's tremendous accomplishments as we advance our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health."

About GuideWell and Florida Blue
GuideWell is a not‑for‑profit, mission-driven, policyholder‑owned health solutions company, parent of Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida. Its subsidiaries include: Triple-S Management, Puerto Rico's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and a leading health care service company on the island; GuideWell Health, a portfolio of integrated care delivery organizations providing primary and urgent care at nearly 100 medical centers and clinics in Florida; GuideWell Source which provides administrative services to federal health care programs; and WebTPA, a market-leading administrator of self-funded employer health plans. The company holds a majority or significant interests in a range of health solutions companies including Lucet, a behavioral health care company that provides technology-enabled support to payors, providers and health plan members.

GuideWell's health insurance, care delivery, administrative services, and behavioral health companies serve more than 38 million people across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For additional information visit GuideWell.com and FloridaBlue.com. For details regarding the company's community and sustainability efforts, read the GuideWell Impact Report. For the latest news and content, visit the GuideWell Newsroom, the Florida Blue Newsroom and follow GuideWell as well as Florida Blue on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

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SOURCE GuideWell