Transitions at the Top: What Organizations Must Do to Make Sure New Leaders Succeed

6 The CHRO's Role

Bruce Broussard was hired by Humana in December 2011 from McKesson as the new president and designated successor to CEO Mike McCallister, who had run the large health insurance company for 12 years and who had announced his intention to retire. Under McCallister's leadership, Humana had become one of the largest and most respected companies in the industry. In fulfillment of the company's succession plan, Broussard became CEO in January 2013 and McCallister retired from that position, although he continued to serve as the company's chairman of the board. By then, Broussard had had time to develop a point of view on the company's strengths and shortcomings, including its people and culture.

Shortly after the passage of the Affordable ...