Aetna, a health benefits company company, will establish its new corporate headquarters in New York City. The 145,000 square foot office space in the Chelsea area of Manhattan will add 250 well-paying jobs in New York.

"New York City is a knowledge economy hub, and a driver of the innovations that will play a significant part in our ongoing transformation. Many of the roles in our new office will be filled by innovators from the area’s deep talent pool, which will be an invaluable resource as we consider additional investments in the city going forward," Aetna Chairman & CEO Mark T. Bertolini said.

To encourage Aetna’s relocation to New York State, Empire State Development offered the company $24 million in performance-based tax credits delivered over 10 years. Over the next five years, Aetna will add 250 senior positions to the new headquarters at 61 Ninth Avenue in Chelsea and invest $84 million to fit out and equip the 145,000 square foot facility. Prior to their decision to relocate to New York, Aetna considered a number of other cities.

"Aetna's decision to call New York home is another testament to the Empire State’s extraordinary economic momentum," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "New York has a deep, diverse talent pool and pro-growth environment that businesses need to succeed, and today more companies are choosing New York to grow and diversify their business. By relocating to New York and bringing another 250 jobs to the state, Aetna is sending a clear signal that New York is open for business."

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Aetna’s decision to move to New York is the latest proof of how our economic development strategies are not only working, they are creating an ideal environment for business to thrive and grow our workforce."

Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick said, "Home to a strong, diverse workforce, Lower Manhattan is pleased to welcome Aetna’s corporate headquarters and 250 new jobs. Establishing the Fortune 50 health company’s corporate headquarters in Lower Manhattan is exactly the kind of business growth and progress we continue to see all across New York."