Johnson & Johnson announces leadership changes

Johnson & Johnson announced Friday leadership changes to the New Brunswick-based  manufacturer.

Sandra (Sandi) E. Peterson, group worldwide chairman for the company, has announced her plans to retire, effective October 1.

“Sandi’s global mindset and passion for people have been hallmarks of her career, and influenced the work she’s done to better enable us to meet the needs of patients and consumers around the world,” said Alex Gorsky, chairman and CEO of J&J. “Sandi has been a dynamic business partner and inspirational leader, and I wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.”

Peterson joined J&J in December 2012. Before that, she was chairman and CEO of Bayer CropScience AG in Germany. She previously served as CEO of Bayer Medical Care and president of Bayer HealthCare AG’s diabetes care division. She’s also held leadership roles at Medco Health Solutions, Nabisco, Whirlpool Corp. and McKinsey & Co.

J&J also announced a series of leadership changes to ensure a seamless transition.

Joaquin Duato, executive vice president, worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals, and Dr. Paul Stoffels, executive vice president, chief scientific officer, have both been named vice chairman of the executive committee, effective July 2. Duato and Stoffels will continue to report to Gorksy. Duato will be responsible for the pharmaceuticals and consumer sectors as well as supply chain, IT, global services and the health and wellness business. Stoffels will be in charge of pharmaceutical research and development, global public health, the office of the chief medical officer, external innovation, pharmaceuticals business development and health care technology.

Other appointments include:

  • Ashley McEvoy to executive vice president, worldwide chairman, medical devices;
  • Jennifer Taubert to executive vice president, worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals;
  • Kathy Wengel to executive vice president, chief global supply chain officer;
  • Michael Sneed to executive vice president, global corporate affairs and chief communication officer.

“These appointments recognize the enormous talent among the senior leadership team of Johnson & Johnson, and will ensure our continued focus on delivering on our commitments to patients, consumers, employees, our communities and our shareholders,” Gorsky said.