Robert Hatch: rising to a new challenge.

• Author: Creager, Janine S.
• Position: Spotlight

Lucky: That's Robert Hatch for you. He's lucky, he'll tell you, to have grown up in Bountiful when there were still plenty of orchards and open space, and extremely lucky to have had parents who loved, nurtured and encouraged him to go out in to the world to compete.

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"If you're lucky enough to have [that]," says Hatch, who goes by Bob, "then life is pretty good." This spirit of optimism will continue to serve him well in his new appointment as president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

With a degree in political science and a minor in economics from the University of Utah, Hatch's first post-graduate job was with First Security Bank, which was later acquired by Wells Fargo. Hatch eventually became president and CEO of Wells Fargo Utah, and his career spanned more than 40 years working in just two different buildings. He "happily retired" from Wells Fargo in November 2009.

Six months later, however, Hatch received a call from Mark Ganz, CEO of Regence, to discuss the change in leadership at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah upon the retirement of then-President Scott Ideson. Out of this conversation, Hatch found himself employed again.

The call was not unexpected: Hatch had served for many years on the board of directors for Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Utah and also on the board of its parent company, Regence. Hatch carries a wealth of corporate governance experience, having served as chair of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah and on the boards of many other organizations.

But for a guy who was happy to have hung up the coat and tie, what would make him put them back on?

"Like a lot of Americans today, we're concerned about the future with our own personal health," he says. "I felt strongly that I could help contribute to this team of dedicated professionals who are trying to be a part of the transformation that is taking place." A major component of that...