Michael Neidorff, the longtime CEO of Centene, has died at the age of 79.
"After a lengthy illness, Michael F. Neidorff passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends," the company said in a statement and obituary released on behalf of Mr. Neidorff's family.
Mr. Neidorff became president and CEO of Centene in 1996. He had planned to retire at the end of this year.
"Michael was Centene Corporation's visionary leader for more than 25 years," the company statement said. "He built a remarkable American business success story and his commitment to providing affordable, high quality health care to the most vulnerable people transformed lives across the globe."
Mr. Neidorff had taken a medical leave of absence in February and Sarah London was named CEO of the company in March.