Kindred Health Names Operating Chief Breier As New CEO

Kindred Healthcare Inc. named operating chief Benjamin Breier as the company’s next chief executive, a key step for the long-term care provider as it moves forward with its acquisition of Gentiva Health Services Inc. Mr. Breier, 43 years old, will succeed Paul Diaz, who will become executive vice chairman of Kindred’s board after a decade in the company’s top executive spot.

Mr. Breier’s appointment, effective March 31, comes as Kindred prepares to absorb Gentiva’s approximately 40,000 employees and 550 locations, a move that will deepen Kindred’s position in the growing trend toward . . .