Jeff Koziel.

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Vision has announced that Jeff Koziel has been appointed chief network officer, effective immediately. According to the company, Koziel will lead the organization’s network strategy and associated business areas, including VSP Ventures, VSP onsite clinics, Eyeconic and Visionworks. Koziel succeeds Kate Renwick-Espinosa, as reported by VMAIL, who most recently served in the chief network officer role. “As a former health care provider with a strong background in retail care environments, Jeff brings a unique experience to help evolve VSP’s network strategy to meet the access needs of clients and members as well as to understand the different practice modality needs for network doctors,” said Michael Guyette, VSP Vision president and CEO.

“Additionally, Jeff’s people-focused leadership style aligns well with VSP’s values and purpose. We’re excited to welcome him to the VSP family,” he said.

Koziel started his career as a pharmacist with Walgreens in Chicago and went on to serve in a variety of progressive leadership roles over 25 years with the company, including as senior vice president leading its health care and retail operations for more than 9,000 locations across the country including Duane Reade, which Walgreens acquired in 2010. Most recently, Koziel served as president of Dental Care Alliance, one of the largest, multi-branded support organizations in the U.S., working with 400 practices in 24 states.

 
“The optical industry has many similarities to the pharmacy and dental industries yet is often a lesser-known access point to the broader health care system,” said Koziel. “I’m eager to contribute to VSP Vision’s developing network strategy and to continue the important work of providing excellent choices for our stakeholders through an established and long-standing industry leader.”

With this appointment, Greg Hare and Kathleen Steele will retain their roles as presidents of Visionworks and VSP Ventures, respectively, and will report to Koziel, according to the announcement.