Karen Hanlon Will Become Highmark CEO in 2027

The current Highmark president will take over the chief executive role on January 1, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy, cream, and red, featuring symbolic geometric forms of a corporate skyscraper and chair. — The Highmark Board of Directors has named current president Karen Hanlon as the insurer's next chief executive, beginning in January 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Highmark Board of Directors has appointed Karen Hanlon as the organization's next CEO, effective January 1, 2027. She will be the first female CEO in the company's history.

Why it matters

The leadership change marks a significant transition for the Pittsburgh-based insurer as it prepares for a new chapter after more than a decade under outgoing leadership. Hanlon will focus on maintaining the growth trajectory established during her predecessor's tenure.

Highmark revenue has grown from $17 billion in 2014 to a projected $35 billion by the end of 2026. Karen Hanlon brings 30 years of tenure at the firm to her new role.

The players

Karen Hanlon

She is the current president of Highmark who has served at the company for 30 years.

David Holmberg

He has served as the CEO of Highmark since 2014 and will move to executive chairman.

The details

Karen Hanlon has served in several leadership capacities at Highmark, including chief financial officer, chief operating officer, and president. David Holmberg, who served as CEO since 2014, will transition to the role of executive chairman and work with the board during the leadership change.

David Holmberg began as CEO in 2014, the same year Karen Hanlon became CFO.
Karen Hanlon became the chief operating officer in 2018.
Karen Hanlon assumed the role of president in 2025.
Highmark revenue is projected to reach $35 billion by the end of 2026.
Karen Hanlon officially begins her tenure as CEO on January 1, 2027.

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Market Landscape

This leadership transition follows a pattern set by the 2014 CEO transition at Highmark, moving from a long-tenured executive to an internal successor. It signals a commitment to maintaining current operational strategies as the firm navigates a competitive regional insurance market.

The transition to a new CEO is expected to maintain stability for current policyholders and employees across the organization. Customers should not anticipate immediate changes to their coverage or existing service agreements during this planned leadership shift.

The takeaway

Internal successions often favor long-term organizational stability over radical shifts in corporate direction. Stakeholders looking for continuity can expect Hanlon to lean on her three decades of institutional knowledge to guide the company's future.