WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.—Pam Kehaly has been named president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross of California, succeeding Leslie Margolin, who resigned last week after 30 months at the helm.

Ms. Kehaly, who will join the company Aug. 30, has nearly 25 years of health insurance industry experience, most recently as president of national accounts at Aetna Inc.

Before joining Aetna, Ms. Kehaly worked in a variety of sales and leadership positions at Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc., the parent company of Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Anthem.

As president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross of California, Ms. Kehaly will be responsible for the management of all local group health insurance business in California, including sales, account service, marketing, underwriting and product delivery, as well as maintaining customer relationships, the health insurer said in a Monday statement.

In addition, she will be responsible for the development of the insurer's long-term strategic direction and collaborating with local and state elected officials to improve the health of Californians.