Cigna Healthcare Appoints Leah Cotterill as CEO for Middle East and Africa (Outside KSA)
Cigna Healthcare, a leading global health services company, has announced the appointment of Leah Cotterill as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Cigna Healthcare – Middle East and Africa (MEA), excluding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Cotterill's appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead an international health insurance company in the UAE, reflecting the nation’s commitment to gender equality and women's leadership.
In her new role, Cotterill will oversee strategic growth and expand access to high-quality healthcare solutions across the UAE and other key markets in the MEA region. With over 25 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge in sales, operations, and customer service.
Previously serving as Chief Distribution Officer (CDO) at Cigna Healthcare MEA, Cotterill was pivotal in launching SmartCare by Cigna Healthcare, the region's first open-access network health insurance product. She also played a crucial role in the company's expansion into Africa. Cotterill joined Cigna in 2008, building the Client Management capability in the Middle East and later leading the Client Management Team for Global Health Benefits in North America.
Jerome Droesch, the former CEO for Cigna Healthcare in the region, has taken on a broader role as CEO – International Organizations, Domestic Health, and Health Services, International Health. Commenting on Cotterill’s appointment, Droesch stated, “Leah’s appointment is groundbreaking for the region. Her extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector, combined with her understanding of customer needs, makes her the ideal candidate to drive the MEA business into its next phase of growth and success.”
Cotterill expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I am thrilled to take on this role within Cigna Healthcare. The MEA region is primed for leading global healthcare innovation. The UAE's unique position as a global business and innovation hub, underpinned by robust infrastructure, is a key contributor to the country’s high standards for health-related quality of life.”
Cotterill is a strong advocate for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion and actively supports Cigna Healthcare's 'Women in Networking' (WIN) initiative. She holds an MBA with distinction from Hult International Business School, where she was recognized as a prestigious Hodges Scholar.
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