CVS Health Appoints Brian Newman as CFO Designate

This week, several Fortune 500 companies experienced notable shifts in executive leadership, reflecting strategic adjustments within their organizations. CVS Health, ranked sixth on the 2024 Fortune 500 list, appointed Brian Newman as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer designate, effective April 21. This move highlights CVS Health's emphasis on strengthening its financial leadership as it adapts to the changing healthcare environment.

Rosalind "Roz" Brewer, a prominent figure in corporate leadership, has made significant strides in her career. Her journey began at Kimberly-Clark, where she ascended to the position of global president. Brewer's career includes key roles at Walmart, where she became the first woman and first Black individual to lead a Walmart division, and at Starbucks, where she served as the chief operating officer and group president. Her leadership style, known for its hands-on approach and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), has been pivotal to her success.

Brewer's appointment as CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2021 was another historic achievement, making her the third Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in expanding the company's presence in primary, specialty, and urgent care, and reimagining its priorities to enhance technology and make healthcare more affordable for underserved communities. Brewer's leadership has been recognized by various organizations, including her inclusion in the AFROTECH™ Future 50 List as a Legacy Leader.

In addition to her corporate roles, Brewer has served on several boards, including United Airlines, the KIPP Foundation for Public Chartered Schools, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her past board experience includes Amazon, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, Molson Coors, and Spelman College, where she was instrumental in creating the Rosalind Gates Brewer Scholarship. In 2024, she was named Spelman College’s interim president, further demonstrating her commitment to education and leadership development.

Brewer's journey from a scientist at Kimberly-Clark to a CEO and board member of multiple Fortune 500 companies exemplifies her dedication, discipline, and vision. Her leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, has not only driven her personal success but also inspired a new generation of leaders. As she continues to make history, Brewer's impact on corporate leadership and DEI initiatives will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.