In a big surprise in Washington, Karen Ignagni, the longtime head of America’s Health Insurance Plans, the industry’s main lobbying force, is leaving to become president and chief executive of EmblemHealth, a New York-based financially troubled insurer.
She will replace Frank Branchini, effective Sept. 1. Mr. Branchini has been with EmblemHealth and its predecessor companies for 30 years and will stay on as chairman.