John Wigneswaran

Dr. John Wigneswaran is the chief clinical officer at Optum Rx, where he leads clinical pharmacy operations for more than 70 million members and 3,000 clients. In this role, Wigneswaran oversees prescription benefit clinical services, clinical product development, drug trend intelligence, and specialty medication strategy, serving a portfolio of commercial, health plan, government, and union clients.

Prior to joining Optum Rx, Wigneswaran held senior executive roles across the healthcare industry, including chief medical officer at Walmart Health & Wellness, where he built a national quality and safety framework for pharmacies and clinics, and at Express Scripts/Cigna, where he led clinical program design and business development. His career also includes leadership positions at DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care, Gambro, Nephroceuticals, and Johnson & Johnson. With more than a decade of clinical experience as a practicing nephrologist and as a renal fellowship preceptor at Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University, Wigneswaran brings a comprehensive understanding of patient care and healthcare delivery to his executive roles.

Wigneswaran serves on the board of directors for the National Kidney Foundation and is a board member for Faster Cures at the Milken Institute, reflecting his involvement in advancing public health and medical innovation. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, providing insights on healthcare access, equity, and clinical excellence. Wigneswaran holds degrees from Cornell University, Tufts University School of Medicine, and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, supporting his multidisciplinary approach to healthcare leadership.