Cigna is one of the largest healthcare companies globally, serving millions of customers and generating billions in revenue annually. At the helm of this healthcare giant is David Cordani, the CEO, who has been instrumental in transforming the company into a global leader in health services.
In this blog, we’ll explore David Cordani’s salary, net worth, and the factors that contribute to his executive compensation. If you’re curious about how much the CEO of Cigna earns or how his pay compares to other industry leaders, this post will answer your questions.
Who Is David Cordani?
David Cordani has been the CEO of Cigna since 2009 and is currently the Chairman of the Board, a position he assumed in January 2022.
- Career at Cigna: Cordani joined Cigna in 1991 and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and President of Cigna Healthcare.
- Leadership Contributions: He’s known for pioneering data analytics and digital healthcare innovations, which have improved healthcare outcomes for millions.
Cordani is also deeply involved in philanthropy, co-founding the David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation and actively supporting organizations like Achilles International Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.
Cigna CEO Salary Breakdown
David Cordani’s total compensation as CEO of Cigna in 2024 was $23,251,096, making him one of the highest-paid healthcare executives globally. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his earnings:
- Base Salary: $1,573,077.
- This is the fixed annual salary paid to Cordani for his role as CEO.
- Stock Awards: $15,214,154.
- These awards are tied to the company’s performance and are a significant part of his compensation.
- Option Awards: $4,091,000.
- These are stock options granted to incentivize long-term performance.
- Other Compensation: $372,797.
- Includes benefits, allowances, and other perks provided by the company.
Cordani’s pay reflects his leadership role in driving Cigna’s success, with the company reporting $247 billion in revenue in 2024. ,
Cigna CEO Net Worth
David Cordani’s estimated net worth is over $100 million, primarily derived from his earnings at Cigna and his investments.
- Sources of Wealth:
- Executive compensation, including salary, stock awards, and bonuses.
- Investments in Cigna stock and other assets.
- Impact of Cigna’s Performance:
- As Cigna continues to grow and generate revenue, Cordani’s net worth is likely to rise.
His wealth is not only a result of his position but also his strategic leadership that has driven Cigna’s global expansion and innovation in healthcare services.
How Does the CEO’s Compensation Reflect Cigna’s Performance?
David Cordani’s salary is closely tied to Cigna’s financial success and market performance. Under his leadership, Cigna reported $247 billion in revenue in 2024, a testament to the company’s growth and profitability.
- Performance-Based Pay:
- A significant portion of Cordani’s compensation comes from stock awards and options, which are linked to Cigna’s financial results.
- Shareholder Returns:
- Cordani’s leadership has delivered strong returns to shareholders, further justifying his pay.
This alignment between executive pay and company performance ensures that Cordani’s compensation reflects his contributions to Cigna’s success. ,
Public and Investor Reactions to Cigna CEO Salary
Executive compensation in healthcare often sparks debate, and Cordani’s salary is no exception.
- Investor Perspective:
- Many investors view Cordani’s pay as fair, given Cigna’s growth and profitability under his leadership.
- Public Opinion:
- Some critics argue that high CEO pay in healthcare raises ethical concerns, especially in an industry focused on affordability and accessibility.
Despite the debates, Cordani’s compensation is in line with industry standards for CEOs of large healthcare companies.
Historical Perspective – Former Cigna CEOs’ Salaries
David Cordani’s compensation is significantly higher than that of previous Cigna CEOs, reflecting the company’s growth and increased complexity.
- Trends in Pay:
- Over the years, executive pay at Cigna has risen, driven by the company’s expansion and increased revenue.
- Comparison with Past Leaders:
- Cordani’s salary is among the highest in Cigna’s history, highlighting his role in the company’s success.
How Does Cigna CEO Salary Compare to Other Healthcare CEOs?
David Cordani’s total compensation of $23.2 million ranks him among the top-paid CEOs in the healthcare industry.
- Comparison with Competitors:
- Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, earned $26.3 million in 2024.
- Joseph Zubretsky, CEO of Molina Healthcare, earned $19.8 million.
- Industry Benchmarks:
- Cordani’s pay is competitive and reflects Cigna’s position as a leading healthcare company.
This comparison shows that Cordani’s salary is aligned with industry standards for CEOs of large healthcare firms. ,
Philanthropy and Contributions Beyond Compensation
David Cordani’s wealth and position have enabled him to contribute significantly to philanthropic causes.
- Foundation Work:
- Co-founder of the David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation, focusing on community health initiatives.
- Non-Profit Support:
- Actively supports organizations like Achilles International Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.
Cordani’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to improving lives beyond his role at Cigna.
Conclusion
David Cordani’s salary and net worth are a reflection of his leadership and contributions to Cigna’s success. As the CEO of one of the largest healthcare companies globally, his compensation is aligned with industry standards and tied to the company’s performance.
While debates over executive pay in healthcare continue, Cordani’s earnings are justified by Cigna’s growth, profitability, and impact under his leadership.
Interested in how other healthcare leaders are compensated? Check out our detailed analysis of Cardinal Health CEO Salary for comparison.