WellPoint, Inc. today announced that Brian A. Sassi has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the company's Consumer Business Unit, which includes the Individual, Senior and State Sponsored (Medicaid) customer segments. Sassi, formerly president of Blue Cross of California, replaces Joan Herman, who announced her plans last year to retire in 2008. Sassi will begin transitioning into his new role immediately and assume full responsibility on February 1.