WellPoint Promotes David Helwig to Group President, Large Group Division.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WellPoint (NYSE: WLP), one of the nation's largest publicly traded health care companies, today announced the promotion of David S. Helwig to group president, Large Group Division, effective

Helwig will report to WellPoint chairman and chief executive officer Leonard D. Schaeffer and will become a member of WellPoint's Office of the Chairman.

Helwig is a 13-year veteran of WellPoint and its predecessor Blue Cross of California. He has served in key operating and financial capacities and as chief actuary. He replaces Ron Williams who has left the company to pursue other interests.

"David's breadth of experience and outstanding performance have contributed greatly to the company's success over the past 13 years," said Leonard Schaeffer. "With his strong operational, actuarial and financial background, David has ideal credentials to help WellPoint continue to market innovative, choice-based products and offer outstanding customer service."

Schaeffer added, "David's promotion also reflects the level of management talent we have developed from within the ranks of our company."

Helwig had previously served as senior vice president for WellPoint's Large Group Division in the western region. In this role, Helwig implemented innovative customer service programs, product development initiatives and sales effectiveness strategies. In the mid-1990s, Helwig managed WellPoint's individual and small group business in California where he played a key role in expanding the company's market share in that segment.

Prior to joining the company, Helwig was chief actuary at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia. He also worked for Integron Life Insurance Company and Mutual of Omaha. He is Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

WellPoint Health Networks serves the health care needs of nearly 7.9 million medical and more than 40 million specialty members nationally through Blue Cross of California in California and UNICARE throughout other parts of the country. WellPoint offers a broad spectrum of quality network-based health products including open access PPO, POS and hybrid products, HMO and specialty products. Specialty products include pharmacy benefit management, dental, utilization management, vision, mental health, life and disability insurance, long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, COBRA administration and Medicare supplements.