Bill Martin, Chief Commercial Officer: Leading with Passion and Purpose at Accredo by Evernorth

Bill Martin, Chief Commercial Officer at Accredo by Evernorth, has spent two decades contributing to the specialty pharmacy industry. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Bill has lived in all four of the state’s largest cities, embodying a deep connection to his roots. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Bill is quick to clarify this loyalty to the “real UT,” distinguishing it from its Texan counterpart.

Bill’s journey with Accredo began nearly two decades ago, when the specialty pharmacy sector was just starting to gain traction. At that time, Accredo was collaborating with only a few manufacturers, managing a small portfolio of therapies and the company’s revenue was just beginning to reflect its potential. Today, Accredo’s market-leading portfolio of exclusive and limited therapies highlights its significant growth and success over the years.

Transforming patient access to therapies

As the head of Accredo’s commercial efforts, Bill plays a pivotal role in engaging directly with payers, prescribers, and pharmaceutical companies. Although indirectly, his work affects patients, ensuring they receive access to care and excellence in service. He describes the team’s mission succinctly: reducing costs, improving care, and enhancing patient access to therapies. This is achieved through strategies that lower net acquisition costs and implement programs and services that improve care, cut waste, and enhance the overall patient experience. Additionally, by contracting with payers, his team ensures patients can fill their prescriptions with Accredo and benefit from the comprehensive support services offered.

Individual-first approach is priority

What truly motivates Bill each day is the people he works with. He finds immense satisfaction in seeing the growth and development of individuals within the organization. Whether seeing someone take on more responsibility or becoming an expert in their role, Bill values the opportunity to contribute to their professional journeys. His favorite quote, “It’s not just about the chicken, it’s about the people,” by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A®, encapsulates his business philosophy. He believes that hiring motivated people, training, and supporting them leads to excellent customer service. This, in turn, encourages customers to return, creating a positive feedback loop that sustains and grows a business.

Work-life balance outside the office

Outside of work, Bill has a passion for travel and has visited all 50 states, experiencing the culture of each one - not only the airports. This extensive travel has given him a profound appreciation for the diverse landscapes and customs across the United States. When it comes to hobbies, Bill enjoys playing golf, though he admits to lacking the time and skill to excel at it. His true joy lies in spending time with his family and indulging in his love for cooking. From chicken piccata to smoked beef brisket, Bill enjoys developing his culinary skills, especially the art of smoking food. He believes that smoking can enhance the flavor of almost any dish, turning a simple meal into “wood-fired goodness”.

Leading with passion and purpose

Bill Martin’s two-decade tenure at Accredo by Evernorth is marked by a dedication to improving patient care, fostering team growth, and leading with a people-first mindset. Whether he is navigating complex contracts or perfecting his smoked brisket, Bill brings passion and purpose to everything he does, making him an invaluable asset to Accredo and a respected leader in his field.