HCA Healthcare Inc. HCA, -0.73% said Monday Chief Executive Milton Johnson is planning to retire, effective Dec. 31, but will continue as chairman of the board through the hospital operator's 2019 annual shareholder meeting on April 26. The company named Sam Hazen, currently president and chief operating officer as new CEO. Hazen has been with the company for more than 36 years in a variety of roles, including Western Group president and chief financial officer. Shares were not yet active premarket, but have gained 50.8% in 2018, while the S&P 500 SPX, +0.19% has gained 7.4%.
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