As part of our long-term plan to assure orderly leadership succession at Johnson & Johnson, I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has named Alex Gorsky as Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson and Chairman of the Executive Committee, effective April 26, 2012, the date of our upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Alex was also nominated for election to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
Alex’s appointment follows a rigorous, thorough and formal multi-year succession planning process which involved the entire Board of Directors. The Board has also asked me to continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors, which I have agreed to do.
Alex has worked for Johnson & Johnson for 20 years, gaining increased and broad-based responsibilities over two separate periods of employment. Alex’s appointment to the CEO position from a role inside our company is consistent with our 126-year history. That is a testament to the quality of leaders throughout Johnson & Johnson. Information on Alex’s background and career accomplishments is attached.
As Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Sheri McCoy will report to Alex when he assumes the role of CEO. She will also continue to lead the Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Groups and maintain responsibility for Information Technology.
We are fortunate to have had two such strong, Credo-based leaders as Alex and Sheri for the Board to consider as internal CEO succession candidates.
Prior to April 26, the composition of the Executive Committee and current reporting relationships to Alex and me will remain intact. During this period I will work with Alex on transition to his new role and responsibilities.
Effective April 26, Alex will assume full management responsibilities for Johnson & Johnson, including chairing the Executive Committee, which I will leave at that time. In addition to Sheri, Alex’s direct reports at that time will include his current direct reports in the Medical Devices and Diagnostics groups, Global Supply Chain, Health Care Compliance & Privacy and Government Affairs & Policy; and my current direct reports in Finance, Human Resources, Law, Diversity & Inclusion and Global Corporate Affairs.
As we move into this transition, I would like to thank Sheri and Alex for their continued strong performance as Vice-Chairmen. Please join me in congratulating Alex and in committing our support to the entire Johnson & Johnson enterprise under its new executive leadership.
Bill Weldon
Alex’s appointment follows a rigorous, thorough and formal multi-year succession planning process which involved the entire Board of Directors. The Board has also asked me to continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors, which I have agreed to do.
Alex has worked for Johnson & Johnson for 20 years, gaining increased and broad-based responsibilities over two separate periods of employment. Alex’s appointment to the CEO position from a role inside our company is consistent with our 126-year history. That is a testament to the quality of leaders throughout Johnson & Johnson. Information on Alex’s background and career accomplishments is attached.
As Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Sheri McCoy will report to Alex when he assumes the role of CEO. She will also continue to lead the Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Groups and maintain responsibility for Information Technology.
We are fortunate to have had two such strong, Credo-based leaders as Alex and Sheri for the Board to consider as internal CEO succession candidates.
Prior to April 26, the composition of the Executive Committee and current reporting relationships to Alex and me will remain intact. During this period I will work with Alex on transition to his new role and responsibilities.
Effective April 26, Alex will assume full management responsibilities for Johnson & Johnson, including chairing the Executive Committee, which I will leave at that time. In addition to Sheri, Alex’s direct reports at that time will include his current direct reports in the Medical Devices and Diagnostics groups, Global Supply Chain, Health Care Compliance & Privacy and Government Affairs & Policy; and my current direct reports in Finance, Human Resources, Law, Diversity & Inclusion and Global Corporate Affairs.
As we move into this transition, I would like to thank Sheri and Alex for their continued strong performance as Vice-Chairmen. Please join me in congratulating Alex and in committing our support to the entire Johnson & Johnson enterprise under its new executive leadership.
Bill Weldon