Health insurer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) has appointed Robert Marino as new president and CEO, effective immediately.

Marino will replace William Marino, who retired as chairman and CEO, after 17 years of leading Horizon BCBSNJ.

In addition to this appointment, Emmanuel Kampouris, former chairman and CEO of American Standard, will assume the position of chairman of the board of directors of Horizon BCBSNJ.

Marino, who has 38 years of experience in the Blue Cross Blue Shield system, has been an officer of the company for nearly 20 years and since 2008 has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Marino began his career at Blue Shield of New Jersey. He spent several years at Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York City, where he served as assistant vice president of Professional Benefits Administration and vice president of National Accounts.

He returned to Horizon BCBSNJ and, in 1997, became senior vice president of market business units.