Jose Lozano has been appointed executive vice president, chief growth officer, at Hackensack Meridian Health, effective immediately, the system announced.
In this role, Lozano will assume responsibility for facilities and nonclinical transformation and growth initiatives — in addition to his existing responsibilities, which include HMH’s real estate portfolio and strategic partnerships.
On Jan. 1, 2024 — and in conjunction with the transition of longtime executive Jim Blazar to executive strategy adviser — Lozano will assume responsibility for marketing and communications, digital engagement and international relationships.
He will report to CEO Bob Garrett for these responsibilities.
Garrett, in a note to the organization explaining the increased responsibility, described it this way.
As the chief growth officer, Lozano will be tasked with driving the expansion of HMH through identifying and pursuing key regional, national and international business opportunities as well as furthering development within its real estate and facilities footprint, Garrett said.
As the lead of marketing and communications, he will lead the transformation of enterprisewide initiatives to ensure the successful delivery of multichannel tactics, Garrett said. Lozano also will serve as advocate and gatekeeper for brand equity, promoting and refining HMH’s brand position and architecture to allow it to thrive in a changing competitive environment.
Collaborating with the administrators of all service lines across HMH, Lozano will oversee the development of strategic marketing and business plans to expand market share and increase efficiency, throughput and profitability.
Garrett said Lozano’s past leadership roles as an economic adviser to Gov. Phil Murphy and CEO of Choose New Jersey, as well as his current responsibilities, make him the ideal person for this position.
His past successes in strategic marketing are evident.
At Choose New Jersey, Lozano was the architect of the business attraction strategy that amplified the “Why NJ” narrative. The state jumped into the top tier among its peers during his time at Choose, which went from the start of the administration to the end of 2021.
Lozano also was a key leader in expanding the state’s international footprint, opening New Jersey’s first offices in Europe in decades — an effort that is now being accelerated by current Choose CEO Wes Mathews.
And Lozano’s ability to sell New Jersey to international companies helped him build his relationship with the state’s real estate community.
Lozano has been widely recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading young executives, being named to Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders, Becker’s Hospital Review’s 60 National Rising Stars Under 40 and numerous ROI Influencers lists.
He currently serves on the boards of several institutions and organizations, including the boards of trustees of Richard Stockton University and the Regional Plan Association.
More than anything, Garrett has a great trust and comfort level with Lozano, who served as his chief of staff when Hackensack and Meridian merged.
Garrett is confident Lozano will thrive in all of the various roles.
“Jose will partner and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure the delivery of an unparalleled consumer experience that reflects and communicates the essence of our brand, and differentiates HMH from others,” Garrett told the staff.
“In conjunction with Digital Transformation Services, Jose will lead the digital engagement strategy for patients, the community and team members. And he will provide strategic direction to support the patient access center to facilitate ease of access and growth through seamless interactions.”
