Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush steps down amid domestic violence controversy
Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush has announced he is leaving the company following an admission of domestic violence against his former wife, according to Reuters.
The healthcare software production company also announced it was in talks to possibly sell itself or combine with a third-party business.
Bush, a nephew of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, founded Athenahealth in 1997. Last week, he issued an apology for “regrettable incidents” after the Daily Mail reported on court documents from 2006, when his then-wife, Sarah Seldon, described “numerous physical altercations” including an incident where Bush “repeatedly slam[ed] his closed fist into her sternum.”
“I take complete responsibility for all these regrettable incidents involving my dear former wife,” Bush told the Daily Mail. “They occurred during a particularly difficult personal time in my life. I have worked very hard since then to demonstrate my remorse.”
Following that apology on May 30, Bush stated he would remain Athenahealth’s CEO as the company contemplated an offer made by Elliott Management of $160 per share, with a total value of $6.9 billion.
But now, with Bush stepping aside, the company announced Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric and current chairman of Athenahelath, will become executive chairman. The board will begin a search for a new CEO, while pursuing potential deals with outside parties.
Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.