Former General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt Joins Radpartners Board of Directors

The rapidly growing radiology practice Radiology Partners has announced its latest major business advancement to bring on Jeff Immelt as the company’s newest member of their board of directors.

"I was attracted by RP's single-specialty focus, dedication to delivering innovative value-based care, forward-thinking investments in technology and its commitment to developing and engaging outstanding physician leaders,” said Immelt in a statement.

Immelt was previously the CEO of General Electric for 16 years, and is known for both his controversial and innovative decision making. Some business experts applauded him for implementing FastWorks, a framework based on “lean” systems that produce fast deliverables and expedited product designs. Others blame him for GE’s horribly performing stock in the Dow during his tenure.

However, Radpartners is turning a leaf for their newest board member. “We are thrilled that Jeff has joined our board,” said Rich Whitney, Radiology Partners’ chairman and CEO in a statement. “In addition to his experience leading one of the largest and most admired companies in the world, Jeff brings extensive healthcare experience, broad relationships within the healthcare industry and a passion for technology and innovation,” he said.

This is the second big leadership announcement for Immelt this month. On February 7, Immelt became AthenaHealth’s new chairman, replacing the company’s co-founder Jonathan Bush, who is staying on as CEO. Although Bush is the cousin of former president George W. Bush, according to CNBC, Immelt also brings his own “star power” to the healthcare data service.

At Radpartners, Immelt will collaborate with seven other leaders from heavy hitting healthcare companies, including Robert Sheehy, co-founder and CEO of Bright Health and Joseph Mello, COO of DaVita Medical Group.