Crystal E. Ashby is Executive Vice President, Chief People, DEI, and Communications Officer at Independence Health Group (Independence), the parent company of Independence Blue Cross, LLC.
As Chief People Officer, Ashby leads the Human Resources division in attracting and developing talent and achieving business strategy and goals. As Chief DEI Officer, she advances a culture of engagement, inclusion, and innovation as critical components of Independence’s corporate culture. As Chief Communications Officer, Ashby oversees internal and external communications and brand strategy, media and public relations, and communications planning.
Prior to Independence, Ashby served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer at The Executive Leadership Council. Her career includes 22 years at BP, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Government and Public Affairs and Strategic University Relationships.
Ashby has received many accolades, including the National Diversity & Leadership Conference Power 50 (2023), Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Influence (2023).
Ashby serves on the Board of Directors of BAE Systems plc.
Ashby earned a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law and dual Bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology from the University of Michigan.
