Lasting progress in health care starts with purpose, accountability, and a willingness to lead through change. That was the key takeaway from David Cordani, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, during a fireside chat at the Semafor World Economy Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Against that backdrop, Cordani – who is set to retire as CEO of The Cigna Group and transition to a new role as executive chair of the board of directors – joined Andrew Edgecliffe‑Johnson, CEO Editor of Semafor, to reflect on nearly two decades of leadership and examine the forces shaping health care. Looking back, Cordani attributed the longevity of his tenure to a clear purpose, a culture of continuous innovation, and a commitment to serving customers through constant change – from the financial crisis of 2008 and health reform to the COVID‑19 pandemic and beyond.

That long view informed a message he returned to repeatedly: Trust and accountability are central to the company’s strategy, including its voluntary, multi‑year commitments to improve access to care, affordability, and customer experience. He pointed to early progress, from efforts to streamline experiences for customers and clinicians to the company’s first‑of‑its‑kind annual transparency report.

From there, Cordani connected accountability to how the industry innovates. Meaningful progress must start with improving transparency, reducing friction, and making care simpler to navigate for consumers, he said. He added that innovation in health care, including the role of AI, can be an accelerant for speed and personalization when paired with clear guardrails and human oversight.

As he looked ahead to his next chapter as executive chair, Cordani’s remarks pointed to a consistent theme: Progress in health care depends on listening closely, acting with integrity, and keeping customers at the center of every decision.