United States Hispanic trade Chamber applauds Aetna for the appointment of Fernando Aguirre to its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2011 PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE /- La Chamber of Commerce Hispanic of United States (USHCC, acronym in English), congratulated the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Chiquita Brands International, Inc., Fernando Aguirre, on his appointment to the Board of Aetna. Aetna, a Fortune 100 company, is one of the most important one of the leading national companies of diversified health care benefits.

“As the national voice of the Hispanic business community in United States, the USHCC is a strong advocate of Hispanic business leaders who serve on corporate boards.” “With great pleasure recognize Aetna and specifically, Mark Bertolini, by leadership and strategic vision illustrated in the appointment of Mr. Aguirre for the directory”, said Javier Palomarez, President and Chief Executive Officer of USHCC. “Aetna is a venerable brand and the industry leader in our nation.” We are happy to deeply see Aetna constantly at the forefront of the corporate commitment to diversity in its recruitment, their supplier base and its Board of Directors, the appointment of Mr. Aguirre is only the latest example. “Fernando Aguirre is an excellent team who brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience of business to the Board of Aetna”.

Mr. Aguirre was President of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Chiquita Brands since 2004 and led the strategic corporate restructuring of the company, taking advantage of the strong equity of the brands of the company, with expansion into new markets and products and the acquisition of other large food companies to ensure the Chiquita as a leading international position in nutritious foods. Today the company has more than $3 billion in revenue and sells products in the Monod Chiquita branded bananas, healthy snacks, smoothies and the brand Fresh Express salads in North America. Previously joined Chiquita Brands, Mr. Aguirre held positions in brand management, general management restructuring in Procter & Gamble (P & G) for a period of 23 years, leading business in Mexico, Canada and Brazil units.

“Aetna is fortunate to have Ferdinand Aguirre as the newest member of its Board of Directors,” said Mark T. Bertolini, President of the Board, CEO and President. “Mr. Aguirre has a long history of participation in global business, an area of growing importance for Aetna.” “It also has a vast experience in management of brand that will be of great value to our company.”

Fernando Aguirre, a native of Mexico, obtained his Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University in 1980. He also attended the prestigious Seminary of YPO Harvard President for 10 years, graduate of the Harvard Business School graduating in 2009. Mr. Aguirre is a member of the boards of Chiquita Brands, Levi Strauss & Company and is also a member of the international directory of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the national leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving over 36.5 million people with information and resources to help them make decisions better informed about health care. Aetna offers a wide range of insurance products health traditional, voluntary and aimed at the consumer and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, health behavior, life group and disability plans, and management services for Medicaid plans health care and medical management capabilities. Our clients include groups of employers, individuals, University students, workers at half time and per hour, health plans, governmental units, plans subsidized by the Government, labour and expatriate groups. For more information, visit: www.aetna.com.

About the House of Hispanic United States Commerce (USHCC)

The Chamber of Commerce United States Hispanic (USHCC), founded in 1979, actively promotes the development and economic growth of the Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in United States that generate about US$ 400 billion a year. The USHCC also works as an organization of amparo for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit: