Aetna to move out of Hartford, CT to New York City
Hartford campus where company was founded in 19th Century will remain, but its long-term commitment there depends on Connecticut's economic health.
Aetna will occupy 61 Ninth Avenue in New York City in late 2018.
Aetna is moving its long-time headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut to Ninth Avenue in New York City next year.
The move will have minimal impact on Aetna's Connecticut-based associates as the company remains committed to its Hartford campus and the thousands of associates based there, the company said on its website.
Aetna said its long-term commitment to the state depends on Connecticut's economic health.
Aetna said it remains hopeful that lawmakers will come to an agreement that puts Connecticut on sound financial footing, and that the state will support needed reforms to make Hartford a vibrant city once again.
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy said this spring he knew Aetna was considering such a move and had proposed legislative changes for the insurance sector that would reduce their premium tax and provide for the timely review of new insurance mandates.
Aetna's decision to relocate is a meaningful investment in its future, and a key step in evolving from an insurer to a health company focused on consumers and their communities, the company said.
[Also: Aetna to leave ACA market in 2018]
"New York City is a knowledge economy hub, and a driver of the innovations that will play a significant part in our ongoing transformation," said Aetna Chairman and CEO Mark T. Bertolini. "Many of the roles in our new office will be filled by innovators from the area's deep talent pool, which will be an invaluable resource as we consider additional investments in the city going forward."
Bertolini said he worked with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Aetna will occupy 61 Ninth Avenue in New York City in late 2018.
Aetna already has an established presence in the city, including operations in Harlem.
[Also: Aetna reports $381 million loss in first quarter due to failed Humana merger]
Cuomo said Aetna will bring 250 jobs to the state.
"Aetna's decision to call New York home is another testament to the Empire State's extraordinary economic momentum," Cuomo said. "New York has a deep, diverse talent pool and pro-growth environment that businesses need to succeed, and today more companies are choosing New York to grow and diversify their business."
Several of Aetna's key businesses will remain primarily based in Hartford, and the Consumer Health & Services team will continue to operate out of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Aetna said.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
