Sutter Health, a 24-hospital not-for-profit system based in Sacramento, Calif., named Stephen Nolte CEO of its health plan, which is under development and is expected to begin marketing HMO products next fall.

Nolte, 52, served as principal VP for health and human services consulting for OptumInsight, formerly Ingenix Consulting, since 2010, according to a news release. In his role as a consultant, he helped lead the preparation and research for Sutter's health plan, including oversight of the company's application for a license with the California Department of Managed Health Care.

Sutter announced its application for an insurance license in September. The plan aims to cater to small and midsized employers.

Before joining Ingenix in 2007, Nolte operated a consulting practice, according to the release.

He starts as CEO on Dec. 31.