Blue Cross head retiring from post

PORTLAND — William R. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, will retire at the end of next year, the state’s largest health insurer announced Thursday.

Andrew W. Greene will assume the new post of executive vice president and chief operating officer effective Jan. 1 and will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations during 1991, Blue Cross said.

Greene, who now serves as senior vice president of marketing and provider and professional affairs, is expected to become president on Johnson’s retirement, the announcement said.

Johnson, 61, has been with Blue Cross for 35 years and was credited by its board with leading the non-profit insurer through its recent financial difficulties.