Vitality has appointed Dr Arun Thiyagarajan as the new managing director of its health insurance business, effective January 2025.
Dr Thiyagarajan will succeed Dr Keith Klintworth, who will retire from his role at the start of next year but will continue in a consultancy role for Vitality.
Currently, Dr Thiyagarajan serves as Global Healthcare transformation director at Bupa, where he has played a crucial role in developing organisational and healthcare strategies across multiple markets. His responsibilities have included overseeing digital transformation strategies, platforms, and healthcare pathways.
During his over five-year tenure at Bupa, Dr Thiyagarajan has held several key positions, including General Manager – Bupa Global and UK Health Clinics, Responsible Officer, and Medical Director – UK Health Clinics. Prior to joining Bupa, he was a general practitioner and managing director at Hedena Health in Oxford. Additionally, Dr Thiyagarajan serves as a non-executive director at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, said: “We are pleased to welcome Arun to VitalityHealth. The business has seen sustained growth in recent years and is at the forefront of private medical insurance provision, with an emphasis on prevention, alongside primary and secondary care. Arun brings a wealth of healthcare and medical experience with him, both of which will be highly relevant as we continue to evolve our offering to even more people.
“From January, Dr Keith Klintworth will move from the managing director role at VitalityHealth to a consultancy role, facilitating the leadership transition. Having joined us over 14 years ago, Keith’s achievements include many developments and improvements to member experience, pioneering digital healthcare in the UK private medical insurance market, and introducing primary care services to our members.”
Dr Arun Thiyagarajan commented: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to join the brilliant team at Vitality. Vitality really delivers on its mission in making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives. Its shared value insurance model is hugely compelling and one that I am incredibly excited to help grow and build into the future.”
