Adam Pellegrini left his post as VP of digital health at Walgreens Boots Alliance to join fitness wearable company Fitbit. Pellegrini will be responsible for leading Fitbit’s vision, strategies and programs to further drive the company’s integration into healthcare systems around the world. Pellegrini has more than 20 years of experience across multiple sectors of the healthcare industry including providers, insurers, health technology and nonprofits. At Walgreens, he was responsible for transforming how the global chain approached digital healthcare, including advancing the company’s integration with wearables, launching telemedicine and advancing Walgreen’s core digital pharmacy platforms.
Wearable company Polar, which makes fitness trackers with heart rate monitors, has hired Stan Brajer as new SVP of US sales and marketing. Previously, Brajer held the same title at watch maker Timex, where he recruited and signed elite athletes including Olympic medalists. Brajer also held the position of director of fitness sales and marketing for Polar rival Garmin, and served as CEO of Pegasus Sports Performance where he led the launch of the company’s initial application for runners and coaches.
Corporate and employee wellness company WebMD Health Services, a subsidiary of WebMD, brought Jacob Sims in as Chief Technology Officer. Sims, who most recently served as VP of development and technology at Premise Health, will lead the company’s technology initiatives and drive next generation software development. Sims, whose resume also includes Xerox, Credence Health and CHS Onsite, has experience driving all aspects of engineering including development, quality assurance, data acquisition and integration. During his tenure at Credence Health, Sims oversaw development and delivery of real-time, EMR-agnostic meaningful use clinical intelligence platform and product portfolio.
Austin, Texas-based RxWiki Inc., a digital health company that connects community pharmacies and patients through its Digital Pharmacist SaaS platform, announced the appointment of Alan Stickler as chief information officer. Stickler, who was previously VP of data and knowledge at McKesson Speciality Health, will oversee product development, systems integration and architecture.
Toronto-based League, which provides a digital alternative to traditional health insurance, has hired Lori Casselman as its new chief health officer. Casselman previously worked at Sun Life Financial were she held several executive roles in the company’s group benefits organization and integrated health solutions. “The healthcare system needs a multidisciplinary, consumer-oriented approach to address prevention, education and treatment opportunities,” said Casselman in a statement. “Technology can enable and empower consumers to understand and manage their own health in ways we have yet to imagine, and there is tremendous potential to change the traditional landscape of health benefits. I am so inspired by what League is building and what they’re aiming to achieve.”
Cardiologist Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is now the medical director of Wanda, a San Francisco-based digital health platform dedicated to improving patient care effectiveness and efficiency. Steinbaum, who also has training in preventative cardiology, is a national advocate for women’s heart health. She is a fellow at both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, and is a national spokesperson and chair for the AMA’s Go Red for Women campaign. At Wanda, Steinbaum will work to create personalized health guidance and accountability using advanced predictive analytics, behavioral science and mobile technologies.
