Physicians Health Plan CEO to retire, PHP sales executive to assume market leader responsibilities

(FORT WAYNE, Indiana — January 15, 2025) Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, which acquired Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana last month, announced Gary Shearer, president & CEO of PHP, has decided to retire. Ross Hensley, chief sales officer for PHP, will assume expanded market leader responsibilities. 

Shearer has been at the helm of PHP since May 2019, leading the company through growth and transformation. He was also instrumental in the recent completion of Priority Health’s acquisition of PHP on December 1, 2024. Shearer said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing his hobbies. His last day with PHP will be January 31, 2025. 

Rick Abbott, senior vice president of Employer Solutions and Innovation at Priority Health, said beginning February 1, Hensley will represent PHP more broadly in the community and through business and industry endeavors, while continuing to lead PHP’s sales team. He said Hensley, who has been with PHP for six years, is well positioned to assume market leader responsibilities. 

“Ross brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to drive the company forward,” said Abbott. “He is trusted and well respected in the marketplace, and we know he will make a significant impact in his expanded role.” 

Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health, said: “We are very thankful for Gary’s visionary leadership of PHP over the past five years. We wish Gary the very best in his retirement. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him and for him.”

About Priority Health:

Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.