Torben Nielsen on Tuesday was named ZOOM+Care’s chief executive officer for the urgent care provider, the Portland-based company announced.
Nielsen, who’s been senior vice president for innovation at Vancouver-based PeaceHealth since April, replaces interim CEO Bill Frerichs, who is leaving the company.
PeaceHealth announced in December it had acquired ZOOM+Care, which has 37 clinics in Oregon and Washington. There are two clinics in Vancouver and about 25 in Portland. The other locations are in Salem, Ore., and the Seattle area.
“As we look to continue to evolve Zoom’s presence and offerings, Torben brings a unique mix of experience from startup company to multinational corporation, and from healthcare to high-tech,” Karl Carrier, chairman of ZOOM+Care’s board and PeaceHealth’s board of directors, said in a news release. “The board was impressed by his proven track record in areas including product strategy, strategic investments and digital solutions and attracted to his passion for building effective teams and strong corporate culture.”
For more than two decades, Nielsen has worked with some of the biggest names in high-tech, healthcare and consumer goods focusing on innovation, growth and customer experience, the release says. In addition to working for Xerox and LEGO, Nielsen co-founded and led product and strategy for start-up company HealthSparq — now under Cambia Health Solutions — the second fastest-growing digital health company in the United States in 2016.
Before arriving at PeaceHealth, Nielsen served as vice president of innovation and strategic investments at Premera Blue Cross, where he helped define and accelerate enterprise-wide innovation initiatives and lead strategic investments in early to midstage startups.
“PeaceHealth acquired ZOOM+Care late last year to accelerate our vision of ensuring greater healthcare accessibility and affordability and to ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovative, person-first, community-centric care. The appointment of Torben Nielsen as Zoom’s new CEO is an exciting step toward these goals. I have no doubt his experience, background and passion will prove to be exactly the right fit for Zoom,” Liz Dunne, PeaceHealth president and CEO, says in the release.
Nielsen said in the release: “To take the reins of such an innovative and accomplished company is truly humbling. I am honored by the board’s confidence in me and committed to building on this great foundation to ensure that ZOOM+Care evolves and grows while continuing to provide convenient, high quality care to our customers and exceed expectations.”
Following its acquisition by PeaceHealth, ZOOM+Care continues to operate under its own brand with its own leadership and separate board.
