David Joyner and the Aetna Turnaround

David Joyner became CEO of CVS Health in October 2024 and Chairman in April 2025, taking over a company in the middle of an Aetna crisis that had wiped billions off the stock. By the end of 2025, Aetna's adjusted operating income improved by $2.6 billion year-over-year, the stock was up roughly 40%, and Joyner had become one of the most-watched CEOs in healthcare. This module unpacks who he is, why his Caremark roots matter, what his "back to fundamentals" leadership style means for candidates, and the specific 2025–2026 strategic moves that interview candidates need to be able to discuss intelligently.