Cigna Healthcare has appointed Leah Cotterill as CEO for the Middle East and Africa (outside of Saudi Arabia) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Cigna Healthcare said: “Cotterill becomes the first female CEO to lead an international health insurance company in the UAE, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
“The announcement aligns closely with the UAE’s commitment to including more women in leadership roles and fostering gender equality.
“In her new role, Cotterill will drive the organization’s strategic growth and expand access to high quality healthcare solutions across the UAE, while overseeing key markets in the Middle East and Africa (outside KSA). “
Cotterill has worked for 16 years with Cigna Healthcare in both the UAE and the United States since 2008. She started as a sales manager in the UAE, and was most recently the chief distribution officer for the Middle East and Africa from 2020.
She was instrumental in launching SmartCare by Cigna Healthcare, the region’s first open-access network health insurance product and played a crucial role in Cigna Healthcare’s geographic expansion into Africa.
Other roles included chief operating officer for the Middle East, and prior to that global distribution leader.
Before joining Cigna Healthcare, Cotterill worked at Axa for nine years, leaving as a business development manager.
Cotterill said via LinkedIn: “I am excited to share that I am starting a new role as CEO of Cigna Healthcare, Middle East and Africa (outside KSA).
“My time with Cigna Healthcare has been exciting and enriching.
“Starting in sales, client management and then moving into operations, to most recently, overseeing the entire distribution channel across the Middle East and Africa, every step has fuelled my passion to enhance the health and vitality of the lives we touch.
“Throughout my journey, I have had the pleasure of working with many remarkable individuals who have helped me consciously consider my approach to life and work, giving real meaning to our mission.
“Many of these individuals were strong women who have shaped my career.
“Today, I am humbled and proud to be the first woman to lead an international health insurance company in the UAE.
“I hope we can inspire many organisations to identify, develop, and nurture women to take on leadership roles.”
“I also want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Jérôme Droesch, who has been an incredible mentor, on his wider remit as CEO – International Organisations, Domestic Health and Health Services, International Health.
“Jérôme’s leadership and friendship has been a huge inspiration, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
“And of course, I couldn’t have done any of this without the unwavering support and encouragement of my family, a constant that allows me to make the most of every day.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on our communities and improve the lives of many.”
Droesch said via LinkedIn: “I am excited to announce that I have taken on an extended role at Cigna Healthcare, as CEO – International Organisations, Domestic Health and Health Services, International Health.
“I am also thrilled to congratulate Leah Cotterill on her appointment as CEO of Cigna Healthcare MEA, outside Saudi Arabia.
“Leah’s 25 years of experience and her significant contributions, including the delivery of SmartCare, the region’s first open-access network health insurance product, have been instrumental to our success.
“Her leadership will undoubtedly drive us to new heights.”
Droesch also said, “As the first female leader to take the helm of an international health insurance company in the UAE, Leah’s appointment is groundbreaking for the region. I already see diverse thinking and a renewed perspective reinvigorating our growth aspirations, and I am confident that her extensive knowledge of the healthcare sector, combined with an in-depth understanding of customer needs, makes her the ideal candidate to drive the MEA business into its next phase of growth and success.”
He added: “Having worked across diverse markets, including the Middle East, United States, and United Kingdom, Leah is a proven leader with an international mindset and an appreciation of what makes different business environments tick.”