Regence, a Portland, Ore.-based licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, has named Dr. Richard Popiel senior VP, healthcare services and chief medical officer for all health insurance plans.

Popiel, whose age wasn't provided, is the former president and COO at Horizon Healthcare Innovations, a division of Newark, N.J.-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey.

"Dr. Popiel has very successfully demonstrated how to improve patient outcomes while keeping down costs," Regence President Jared Short said in a news release. "His work is widely recognized for his ability to rethink how quality care is delivered. His leadership will help to ensure that our members receive the right care in the right setting at the right cost."

Popiel's responsibilities will include leading medical strategy and addressing care initiatives and cost management.