Obituaries
Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson Dies At 60
Tyson, who died unexpectedly Sunday, had led the Oakland-based healthcare giant since 2013.
OAKLAND, CA — Bernard Tyson, chief executive officer of Oakland-based health care giant Kaiser Permanente, died in his sleep Sunday at age 60.
"On behalf of our Board of Directors, employees and physicians, we extend our deepest sympathies to Bernard's family during this very difficult time," Kaiser Permanente said in a statement. "An outstanding leader, visionary and champion for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans, Bernard was a tireless advocate for Kaiser Permanente, our members and the communities we serve. Most importantly, Bernard was a devoted husband, father and friend. We all will miss his tremendous presence in our lives."
It was announced that Executive Vice President and Group President Gregory Adams has been appointed as interim chairman and CEO of the health maintenance organization.
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Tyson was appointed chairman CEO of Kaiser in 2013, part of a long career with the 11.8 million-member health plan that operates in eight states and the District of Columbia.
He started with Kaiser in 1997 as a hospital administrator and division president. From 2002-06 he was a senior vice president of brand strategy and management and authored the "Thrive" marketing slogan that Kaiser Permanente still uses today.
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From there he rose to executive vice president and then president and chief operating officer, before his appointment as CEO.
He also served on the boards of Salesforce and the American Heart Association, according to his Linkedin profile.
Tyson has been listed several times on rankings of most influential people in health care.
"Bernard was an exceptional colleague, a passionate leader, and an honorable man. We will greatly miss him," said board member Edward Pei, Chair of the Executive Committee and the Governance, Accountability and Nominating Committee. "The board has full confidence in Greg Adams' ability to lead Kaiser Permanente through this unexpected transition."
Tyson earned a bachelor's degree in health management and a master's degree in business administration from Golden Gate University.
—Bay City News Service