Introduction
Karen Lynch and Lisa Su are two highly accomplished women who have built influential careers in major American industries. Lynch became widely known for her leadership in healthcare and insurance, while Su has become one of the most recognized leaders in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries.
Although their careers developed in different sectors, both women reached senior leadership positions through long professional journeys. Their stories highlight strategic thinking, technical or business expertise, and the ability to lead large organizations through periods of change.
For anyone searching for information about Karen Lynch and Lisa Su in 2026, it is important to separate their current roles from their earlier achievements. Lynch is a former president and CEO of CVS Health, while Su continues to serve as AMD’s Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
Quick Biography Table
| Information | Karen Lynch | Lisa Su |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen S. Lynch | Lisa T. Su |
| Industry | Healthcare and insurance | Semiconductors and technology |
| Best Known For | Former CEO of CVS Health | CEO and Chair of AMD |
| CVS/AMD Leadership | CVS Health CEO, 2021–2024 | AMD CEO since 2014 |
| Education | Boston College; Boston University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Main Expertise | Healthcare, insurance, business leadership | Electrical engineering, semiconductors, AI computing |
| 2026 Status | Former CVS Health CEO | AMD Chair and CEO |
Who Is Karen Lynch?
Karen S. Lynch is an American business executive whose career has focused mainly on healthcare and insurance. She became president and CEO of CVS Health on February 1, 2021, after previously serving as president of Aetna.
Before becoming CVS Health’s CEO, Lynch developed extensive experience across the healthcare industry. Her earlier leadership positions included work at Cigna, Magellan Health Services, Aetna, and CVS Health.
Her appointment at CVS Health was significant because it placed her at the top of one of America’s largest healthcare companies. During her tenure, she focused on expanding CVS Health’s role beyond traditional pharmacy services and toward a broader healthcare model.
However, her time as CEO ended in October 2024. CVS Health announced that J. David Joyner replaced Lynch as president and CEO, effective October 17, 2024.
Karen Lynch’s Early Career
Lynch began her professional career in accounting and later moved into healthcare management. She developed experience in several areas of the insurance and healthcare-services industry before reaching senior executive positions.
She worked at Cigna and later became president of Magellan Health Services. In 2012, she joined Aetna as an executive vice president and head of specialty products.
Her career at Aetna became an important part of her leadership story. She eventually became Aetna’s president in 2015, making her the company’s first female president. She continued in that role through CVS Health’s acquisition of Aetna.
After the acquisition, Lynch became an important executive within CVS Health and eventually succeeded Larry Merlo as CEO.
Karen Lynch as CVS Health CEO
Lynch became CVS Health’s president and CEO in 2021. Her leadership came during a major period of change in healthcare, with increasing attention on healthcare access, pharmacy services, primary care, digital healthcare, and consumer experience.
Under her leadership, CVS Health continued developing its integrated healthcare strategy. The company sought to connect pharmacy, insurance, healthcare services, and consumer-facing care.
Her tenure also received significant recognition. Fortune had previously ranked Lynch among the most powerful women in business and highlighted her position as one of the most influential female executives in corporate America.
In October 2024, however, CVS Health announced a leadership transition. Lynch stepped down, and David Joyner became the company’s new CEO.
Karen Lynch After CVS Health
Lynch’s professional career did not simply end with her departure from CVS Health. Fortune reported in 2025 that she had been involved in board work, CEO succession activities, speaking engagements, and leadership-related initiatives.
This makes the 2026 picture different from older biographies that still describe Lynch as the sitting CVS Health CEO. She should be described as the former CEO of CVS Health when discussing her position in 2026.
Her post-CEO activities also demonstrate how experienced executives can continue influencing business leadership after leaving a major corporate position.
Who Is Lisa Su?
Dr. Lisa Su is a Taiwanese American electrical engineer and business leader who serves as Chair, President, and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, commonly known as AMD.
She joined AMD in January 2012 as senior vice president and general manager of its Global Business Units. She later became chief operating officer before being appointed president and CEO in October 2014. She became chair of AMD’s board in February 2022.
Unlike Lynch’s healthcare background, Su’s career has been deeply connected to engineering, semiconductor technology, computing, and research.
Lisa Su’s Education and Engineering Background
Lisa Su studied electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from MIT.
Before AMD, she spent many years at IBM in engineering and leadership positions. She also worked at Texas Instruments and later held senior positions at Freescale Semiconductor.
Her technical background has played an important role in her leadership at AMD. She is widely recognized for combining engineering knowledge with business strategy.
Lisa Su and the Transformation of AMD
Lisa Su became AMD’s CEO in 2014, when the company faced significant competitive and technological challenges.
During her leadership, AMD developed a stronger position in high-performance computing, data centers, gaming, personal computers, and artificial intelligence.
AMD’s corporate biography describes Su as a key leader in the company’s transformation into a major high-performance and adaptive computing company.
The company’s growth in AI computing has made Su one of the most visible technology executives in the world. AMD now develops CPUs, GPUs, networking products, and software aimed at modern computing and AI workloads.
Lisa Su in 2026
Lisa Su remains AMD’s Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer in 2026. AMD’s 2026 proxy statement confirms her continuing leadership position and describes her role in the company’s transformation and growth across data center, artificial intelligence, client computing, gaming, and embedded markets.
AMD’s official leadership information also continues to list Su as Chair and CEO.
Her influence has expanded beyond AMD as well. She has received major industry honors and has held leadership responsibilities connected with the semiconductor industry.
AMD’s official biography lists recognitions including TIME’s 2024 CEO of the Year, the Bower Award for Business Leadership, and the IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal.
What Do Karen Lynch and Lisa Su Have in Common?
The keyword Karen Lynch and Lisa Su connects two women who reached the highest levels of corporate leadership, but there is no strong evidence of a major direct business partnership between them.
Their connection is better understood through their shared position as influential female business leaders.
Lynch built her reputation in healthcare and insurance. Su built hers in engineering, semiconductors, computing, and AI.
Both demonstrate how specialized expertise can lead to executive leadership. Lynch developed deep knowledge of healthcare operations and insurance. Su combined advanced engineering knowledge with corporate strategy.
Their careers also show two different approaches to leadership. Lynch’s work focused heavily on healthcare access and integrated services, while Su’s leadership has centered on technology development, product execution, and long-term innovation.
Karen Lynch vs. Lisa Su
Karen Lynch and Lisa Su operate in very different industries.
Lynch’s career has been shaped by healthcare organizations, insurance, pharmacy services, and consumer healthcare. Her most prominent executive position was leading CVS Health from 2021 until October 2024.
Su’s career has been shaped by semiconductor engineering and technology. She has led AMD since 2014 and remains the company’s chair and CEO in 2026.
Their educational backgrounds also differ. Lynch studied business and accounting, while Su earned advanced degrees in electrical engineering from MIT.
Despite these differences, both have demonstrated the importance of combining professional expertise with strategic decision-making.
Leadership Achievements
Lynch’s major achievement was rising through the healthcare industry to become CEO of CVS Health after serving as president of Aetna. Her career included leadership during the integration of Aetna into CVS Health and the company’s broader expansion into healthcare services.
Su’s major achievement has been leading AMD through a major transformation in high-performance computing. Her technical background has helped shape the company’s product and technology strategy as competition in CPUs, GPUs, data centers, and AI has intensified.
Both careers demonstrate the value of long-term professional development rather than overnight success.
Why Karen Lynch and Lisa Su Remain Notable in 2026
The continued interest in Karen Lynch and Lisa Su comes from their influence on major American businesses and their different paths to executive leadership.
Lynch remains an important figure in healthcare leadership because of her years at Aetna and CVS Health. Her post-CEO work also shows that senior executives can continue contributing through boards, advisory work, and leadership development.
Su remains an active corporate leader. In 2026, AMD continues to position itself around high-performance and AI computing, making her role particularly significant as demand for advanced computing continues to grow.
Their stories therefore offer useful examples of leadership in two industries undergoing major transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Karen Lynch and Lisa Su related?
There is no reliable evidence that Karen Lynch and Lisa Su are related. They are separate business leaders with careers in different industries.
Did Karen Lynch and Lisa Su work together?
There is no strong public evidence of a significant direct professional partnership between Lynch and Su. Their connection is mainly their prominence as female corporate leaders.
Is Karen Lynch still the CEO of CVS Health in 2026?
No. Karen Lynch stepped down as CVS Health’s president and CEO in October 2024. David Joyner replaced her as CEO.
Is Lisa Su still the CEO of AMD in 2026?
Yes. AMD’s 2026 corporate and regulatory materials identify Lisa Su as Chair, President, and CEO.
What is Lisa Su best known for?
Lisa Su is best known for leading AMD and helping transform the company into a major competitor in high-performance computing and AI-related technology.
Conclusion
Karen Lynch and Lisa Su represent two distinct paths to executive leadership. Lynch built a long career in healthcare and insurance before becoming CEO of CVS Health, while Su combined advanced electrical engineering expertise with business leadership to guide AMD’s transformation.
For a 2026 biography, the most important distinction is their current professional status. Karen Lynch is the former CEO of CVS Health and has continued her professional activities beyond the company. Lisa Su remains AMD’s Chair, President, and CEO.
Although there is no major documented partnership between them, their careers are worth comparing because both demonstrate the impact that experienced women can have at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Read More: Karen Lynch and Phebe Novakovic: Biography, Careers, Leadership and 2026 Update