NEW YORK — Sandra Waite, most recently a CVS Health senior comms leader, has joined Guardian Life as chief communications officer.

In her new role, Waite is responsible for developing the insurance company’s communications strategy including internal and external communications, issues and crisis management, reputation and thought leadership, media relations and CSR. She serves as an advisor to the company’s CEO and senior leaders across the organization as well.

Waite also is charged with helping advance Guardian’s cultural transformation.

“Guardian is focused on becoming a more contemporary, consumer-focused organization and Sandra’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we leverage all of our communications channels in support of that effort,” said Brian Scanlon, who oversees strategy, business development, marketing, and communications — and to whom Waite reports.

Waite succeeds Gus Carlson, who stepped down from the role last year. Sherry Pudloski, who spent three years as CCO, left in early 2020 to head communications and corporate affairs for animal health company Zoetis.

Waite joins after four years at CVS Health and Aetna, which CVS Health bought for $69 million in 2018. Most recently, Waite led CVS Health’s CEO and enterprise communications. Before that, she was Aetna’s head of communications.

Waite is the second senior comms leader to leave CVS Health this month. Kym White, who was the company's CCO, stepped down from her role roughly a week ago. White’s predecessor Kathryn Metcalfe, who had left CVS Health for Bristol Myers Squibb, has returned to lead the company’s communications for a second time.