Kent J. Thiry

Thiry was recruited as CEO of DaVita in 1999 when the company was struggling operationally and financially following its formation through merger. He implemented a transformative strategy that included cultural renewal, operational discipline, and aggressive expansion. Thiry established DaVita's distinctive 'village' corporate culture, led the $3.5 billion Gambro acquisition in 2005 that created the US dialysis duopoly, and oversaw the ill-fated HealthCare Partners diversification and subsequent sale to Optum. He served as CEO for 20 years before stepping down in 2019.

Kent J. Thiry is an American healthcare executive who served as Chairman and CEO of DaVita Inc. from 1999 to 2019. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Stanford Law School, Thiry was recruited to lead DaVita when it was a struggling regional dialysis provider. He transformed the company through the Gambro acquisition, cultural innovation, and operational excellence, building DaVita into one of the largest kidney care companies in the world. Thiry also pursued political ambitions, running for Colorado governor and US Senate. He is known for his distinctive corporate culture philosophy and public speaking on healthcare and leadership.