CIGNA HealthCare Appoints Charles Pitts as New General Manager for the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CIGNA HealthCare announced today the appointment of Charles Pitts as president and general manager of CIGNA HealthCare's operations in North Carolina and South Carolina. Pitts is a seasoned executive with 17 years of leadership experience within the managed care industry with strong capabilities in business operations, strategic planning and performance. He will be based in Charlotte.

"The Carolinas offer significant opportunities for CIGNA HealthCare, and we are excited to add Charles to the regional leadership team. His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will help us grow our business and membership in the region," said Michael Triplett, president of CIGNA HealthCare's East Region and Government Segment.

In his new position, Pitts will be responsible for external operations in North Carolina and South Carolina and will oversee a sales team of more than 74 professionals. He will also be responsible for fostering and deepening relationships with employers, providers, brokers and consultants in the region. CIGNA HealthCare brings integrated medical, behavioral, pharmacy, dental and vision benefits to employers and serves approximately 263,000 medical members in the Carolinas.

Pitts most recently served as president and chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in the Carolinas. Prior to his role in this region, Pitts also led operations in additional UnitedHealthcare markets including the Gulf States, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Pitts holds a bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and a master's in business administration from the University of Alabama. He is a member of the Charlotte Rotary Club and also serves as a director of Charlotte's BRIDGE Jobs program. Pitts previously served as director of the North Carolina Association of Health Plans and as chairman of the American Heart Association's Heart and Stroke Walk in 2004.

About CIGNA HealthCare:

CIGNA HealthCare, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT, provides medical benefits plans, dental coverage, behavioral health coverage, pharmacy benefits, and products and services that integrate and analyze information to support consumerism and health advocacy. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation . Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.