Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem, Inc., is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Leading this healthcare giant is Gail Koziara Boudreaux, a prominent and influential figure in the industry.
Since becoming CEO in 2017, Gail has transformed the company, guiding it through significant changes, including the rebranding to Elevance Health. For those curious about her salary, net worth, and achievements, this blog provides detailed insights into her leadership and financial standing.
Let’s dive into Gail Boudreaux’s journey, her compensation breakdown, and her impact on Elevance Health.
Who Is Gail Koziara Boudreaux?
Gail Koziara Boudreaux is an accomplished businesswoman and healthcare leader with decades of experience.
Personal Background:
- Born in 1960 in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Gail grew up excelling both academically and athletically.
- She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Later, she earned her MBA with high honors from Columbia University in 1989.
Athletic Achievements:
- Gail was a standout athlete at Dartmouth, excelling in basketball and track and field.
- She holds records as Dartmouth’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder in women’s basketball.
- She also won four consecutive Ivy League shot put titles and earned All-American recognition.
Her competitive spirit and discipline in sports have clearly translated into her professional career.
Career Highlights
Gail Boudreaux’s career spans various leadership roles in healthcare, showcasing her ability to drive growth and innovation.
Early Career:
- Gail spent 20 years at Aetna, where she held various leadership positions and gained extensive experience in healthcare operations.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois:
- In 2002, she became President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, leading the company to significant growth.
UnitedHealth Group:
- Gail joined UnitedHealth Group in 2008 as Executive Vice President of UnitedHealthcare.
- From 2011 to 2014, she served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, overseeing 45 million customers and $120 billion in revenue.
GKB Global Health, LLC:
- In 2015, Gail founded her own healthcare consulting company, GKB Global Health, LLC.
Elevance Health:
- In November 2017, Gail was named CEO of Anthem, Inc., which later rebranded to Elevance Health under her leadership.
- As CEO, Gail has focused on transforming healthcare delivery, expanding services, and driving innovation.
Achievements and Recognition
Gail’s impact extends beyond Elevance Health. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the healthcare industry.
Awards and Rankings:
- Ranked 10th on Forbes’ list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” in 2020 and 14th in 2023.
- Ranked 10th on Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women” list in 2023.
- Received the Billie Jean King Contribution Award in 2018.
- Awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award in 2022.
Leadership Roles:
- Gail was named the first female chair of The Business Council in 2023, a testament to her influence in the corporate world.
Her achievements highlight her dedication to excellence and her ability to lead in a competitive industry.
Elevance Health CEO Salary Breakdown
Gail Boudreaux’s compensation reflects her leadership role in one of the largest healthcare companies.
2024 Total Compensation:
- Salary: $1,600,000
- Stock Awards: $12,600,032
- Option Awards: $4,199,989
- Non-Equity Incentive Plan: $1,142,400
- Other Compensation: $929,555
Total: $20,471,976
This compensation package rewards her for driving Elevance Health’s success and meeting performance-based goals.
CEO Pay Ratio:
Gail’s earnings are significantly higher than the median employee pay at Elevance Health. This disparity is common in large corporations, where executive pay reflects the complexity of their responsibilities.
Gail Boudreaux’s Net Worth
As of the latest data, Gail Boudreaux’s net worth is substantial, derived from her earnings, investments, and stock holdings.
Key Holdings:
- UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH): 182,532 shares valued at approximately $57 million.
- Elevance Health Inc (ELV): 151,080 shares valued at approximately $47 million.
- Other Holdings: Smaller stakes in Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc (ZBH), Xcel Energy Inc (XEL), and Novavax Inc (NVAX).
Estimated Net Worth:
Gail’s net worth is estimated to be well over $100 million, considering her stock holdings, past earnings, and other investments.
Her financial success mirrors her ability to lead and deliver results in the healthcare industry.
Elevance Health’s Financial Performance Under Gail Boudreaux
Under Gail’s leadership, Elevance Health has seen significant growth and transformation.
Revenue Growth:
- Elevance Health consistently ranks among the top Fortune 500 companies, with billions in annual revenue.
Rebranding Success:
- Gail spearheaded the rebranding of Anthem to Elevance Health, focusing on expanding healthcare services and improving customer experience.
Innovation:
- She has emphasized leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce costs.
Elevance Health’s strong financial performance directly impacts Gail’s compensation, as much of her earnings are tied to company success.
Comparison with Other Healthcare CEOs
Gail Boudreaux’s compensation is competitive within the healthcare industry.
Salary Comparison:
- UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty: Earns over $21 million annually.
- Cigna CEO David Cordani: Earns approximately $19 million annually.
While Gail’s earnings align with industry standards, they reflect Elevance Health’s position as a leading healthcare provider.
Public and Investor Opinions on CEO Pay
CEO pay is often a topic of debate, especially in healthcare.
Investor Perspective:
- Many shareholders view Gail’s compensation as justified, given Elevance Health’s strong performance under her leadership.
Public Perception:
- Some critics argue that high executive pay in healthcare raises ethical concerns, particularly when average employee salaries are much lower.
Ultimately, opinions vary, but Gail’s earnings are consistent with industry norms for large corporations.
Historical Perspective – Elevance Health CEO Salaries
Gail Boudreaux’s salary is among the highest in Elevance Health’s history.
Previous CEO Salaries:
- Compensation for past CEOs was lower, reflecting the company’s growth and increased complexity under Gail’s leadership.
This trend mirrors broader changes in executive pay across industries, where salaries rise as companies expand globally.
Philanthropy and Contributions Beyond Compensation
Gail Boudreaux is not only a corporate leader but also a philanthropist.
Healthcare Initiatives:
- She supports various healthcare-related causes, emphasizing innovation and accessibility.
Community Contributions:
- Gail is actively involved in initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and promote wellness.
Her wealth enables her to make a positive impact beyond her corporate role.
Conclusion
Gail Koziara Boudreaux’s salary and net worth reflect her leadership and Elevance Health’s success. With a total compensation package exceeding $20 million and a net worth of over $100 million, Gail is one of the most influential figures in the healthcare industry.
Her achievements, both professionally and personally, highlight her ability to lead, innovate, and drive results. Whether you’re an investor, a healthcare professional, or simply curious, understanding Gail’s journey provides valuable insights into corporate leadership and financial performance.
Curious about how Gail Boudreaux’s compensation compares? Check out our detailed breakdown of Cigna CEO salary and benefits.