CEO of Pennsylvania Insurer Highmark Fired After Assault Charges

A western Pennsylvania insurance company has fired the chief executive officer who was arrested a week ago after a fight with the husband of an employee with whom he was having an affair.

Highmark Inc. announced Sunday that the board of directors had terminated for cause 58-year-old Kenneth Melani, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave after he was charged with simple arrest and defiant trespass in Oakmont, Allegheny County.

Chairman and acting CEO J. Robert Baum said “The board has reviewed this situation thoroughly and has taken decisive action to address the matter.”

Moody’s Investors Services last week downgraded its outlook on the company’s credit rating, citing additional uncertainty as Highmark tries to resolve its contract with UPMC and seeks approval to take over West Penn Allegheny Health System.