PITTSBURGH---HVHC, a Highmark company and the parent company of the Eye Care Centers of America chain as well as of Viva and Davis Vision, named David Holmberg its president and chief executive officer effective July 1. Holmberg will also continue his role as president and CEO of San Antonio-based ECCA, a position he has held since the beginning of this year.

David Holmberg

In his new position, Holmberg will lead HVHC through the implementation of an integrated, multi-regional business design for the managed care, wholesale and retail divisions of the company, an announcement said. “This will give both HVHC and ECCA the ability to continue their commitment to customer choice by maintaining a blended network of private practitioners and retail stores to meet the diverse health care and vision care needs of employers and consumers,” the company noted.

The companies that comprise HVHC provide comprehensive coverage to more than 50 million individuals nationwide, including 20 million funded members and an additional 30 million discount members, according to the announcement.

HVHC acquired ECCA, which operates nearly 500 stores under 11 retail brands, in 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary, after acquiring frame maker Viva International Group in 2005.

Before assuming the top position at ECCA on Jan 1, 2008, Holmberg was executive vice president of operations for Jo-Ann Stores. He also spent three years as president of Cole Licensed Brands.

Holmberg succeeds Robert Gray, who retired as HVHC’s president/CEO early this year. ■