WELLESLEY, MA— Harvard Pilgrim Health Care CEO Eric Schultz leads one of the most reputable health plans in the country that has been consistently rated among the highest-rated private plans. What has really distinguished Harvard Pilgrim is its focus on diversity, inclusion and now on alternative medicine.

In an exclusive interview with Chai with Manju at Harvard Pilgrim headquarters in Wellesley, MA, Schultz talks about his philosophy of life, values, his inspirational life journey, passions and his fascination with India and the Indian culture. He fondly talks his special Indian mentor and friend who sparked his interest in India and shaped his understanding of Indian culture and values.

During his 26-year career in health care, Schultz has consistently taken an active role in defining and implementing changes that have led to improvements and greater efficiencies in both the cost and delivery of health care.

Prior to joining Harvard Pilgrim in March 2010, Schultz was president and chief executive officer of Fallon Community Health Plan (FCHP) for ten years. Under his vision and leadership, FCHP emerged from significant financial losses and transformed from a regional group model health plan into a statewide health care services company. Schultz also held executive positions with CIGNA Healthcare, where he oversaw plan operations for Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, and with Prudential Healthcare where he led its Nashville and Memphis commercial and Medicaid business.

Schultz serves on the boards of the Kenneth Schwartz Center, America’s Health Insurance Plans, Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, the New England Council, Worcester Regional Research Bureau and the Boy Scouts of America.