Centene Corporation, one of America’s largest managed care organizations with nearly $195 billion in annual revenue, was built into a healthcare powerhouse by Michael Neidorff during his tenure as Chairman and CEO from 1996 until his passing on April 7, 2022. Under Neidorff’s visionary leadership, Centene grew from a small health plan with $40 million in revenue to a Fortune 25 company serving over 28 million members. His successor, Sarah London, now leads the company as the youngest female CEO in the Fortune 500.
Michael Neidorff – Quick Facts
Career Highlights
- 26-Year CEO Tenure: Led Centene from 1996 until his passing in 2022, one of the longest CEO tenures in Fortune 500 healthcare
- Revenue Growth: Grew Centene from $40 million in revenue to over $140 billion, a 3,500x increase
- Fortune 25 Status: Transformed a small Missouri health plan into a Fortune 25 company
- 28+ Million Members: Built Centene into the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the United States
- Strategic Acquisitions: Orchestrated major deals including WellCare Health Plans ($17.3B, 2020), Health Net ($6.8B, 2016), and Fidelis Care ($3.75B, 2018)
- IPO to Industry Giant: Led the company’s IPO in 2001 and oversaw decades of sustained growth
- Philanthropy: Known for significant charitable giving, including a $50 million gift to Harris-Stowe State University
Michael Neidorff – Career & Education
Michael Frederic Neidorff was born on November 19, 1942, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity University and a Master of Arts in Industrial Relations from Saint Francis University. His career in healthcare leadership spanned more than four decades.
Career Timeline
Before joining Centene, Neidorff held leadership positions at Miles Laboratories, Physicians Health Plan of Greater St. Louis, and Coventry Corporation. He became CEO of Group Health Plan in 1995 and joined Centene as Chairman and CEO in 1996, when the company was a small Medicaid health plan based in Wisconsin.
Under his leadership, Centene went public in 2001 and grew into one of the largest healthcare companies in the world through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Key deals included the $6.8 billion acquisition of Health Net in 2016, the $3.75 billion purchase of Fidelis Care in 2018, and the landmark $17.3 billion acquisition of WellCare Health Plans in 2020.
Education
- Trinity University – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Saint Francis University – Master of Arts in Industrial Relations
Michael Neidorff Net Worth & Salary
At his peak in 2021, Michael Neidorff’s net worth was estimated at approximately $574–650 million, primarily from his Centene Corporation stock holdings accumulated over 25+ years of leadership. His final full-year total compensation (2020) was approximately $24.96 million.
Compensation Breakdown (2020)
Current Centene CEO – Sarah London
Sarah London was appointed CEO of Centene Corporation in March 2022, succeeding Michael Neidorff. Born around 1979, she is the youngest female CEO in the Fortune 500. London earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in History and Literature from Harvard College, where she played Division I tennis, and an MBA with High Honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Before becoming CEO, London served as Centene’s Vice Chairman, overseeing strategy, technology, ancillary services, and enterprise compliance. Prior to Centene, she was an Operating Partner at Optum Ventures (the venture capital arm of UnitedHealth Group) and served as Chief Product Officer at Optum Analytics, where she led data solutions for the healthcare industry.
Sarah London – Quick Facts
Sarah London Compensation Breakdown (2024)
About Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation is one of the largest managed care organizations in the United States, providing healthcare programs and services primarily to government-sponsored health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and Health Insurance Marketplace enrollees. The company serves more than 28 million members across all 50 states.
Centene Financial Summary (FY2025)
Centene Competitors
Centene operates in the highly competitive managed care industry. Key competitors include:
- UnitedHealth Group – Largest U.S. health insurer by revenue
- Elevance Health – Major Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee
- Humana – Strong in Medicare Advantage plans
- Cigna Healthcare – Global health services company
- Molina Healthcare – Government-sponsored managed care
- CVS Health / Aetna – Integrated health services
- Kaiser Permanente – Integrated care and coverage
(Related: UnitedHealth Group CEO Email & Net Worth)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the current CEO of Centene?
Sarah London is the current CEO of Centene Corporation. She was appointed in March 2022, succeeding Michael Neidorff. London is the youngest female CEO in the Fortune 500.
What happened to Michael Neidorff?
Michael Neidorff passed away on April 7, 2022, at the age of 79. He had announced his retirement shortly before his passing after leading Centene as Chairman and CEO for over 25 years.
What was Michael Neidorff’s net worth?
At his peak in 2021, Michael Neidorff’s net worth was estimated at $574–650 million, primarily from Centene stock holdings accumulated over his 26-year tenure as CEO.
What is Sarah London’s salary?
Sarah London’s total compensation for 2024 was approximately $20.6 million, including a $1.4 million base salary, $4.3 million annual bonus, and $14.6 million in stock awards. Over 93% of her pay is performance-based.
What is Centene Corporation?
Centene is one of the largest managed care organizations in the United States, serving approximately 28 million members through government-sponsored healthcare programs including Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA marketplace plans. The company reported nearly $195 billion in revenue in 2025.
What is the Centene CEO email address?
The Centene CEO email address for Sarah London is [email protected]. Corporate inquiries can also be directed through Centene’s official website at centene.com.
Article last updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: All information presented in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources, including SEC filings, official company press releases, and reputable news outlets. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.