Joaquin Duato, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, will assume the additional position of chairman, effective in January 2023. He will succeed Alex Gorsky, who will step down from his role as executive chairman following a brief transitional period.
Duato has served as Johnson & Johnson’s CEO and a member of the board of directors since Jan. 3. Prior to that time, he held senior leadership positions over his 30-plus year career with the company across multiple business sectors, geographics and functions.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Alex for his unwavering commitment to Johnson & Johnson. Over the last three decades, Alex’s influence has truly shaped the global health care landscape and improved billions of lives,” Anne Mulcahy, lead independent director, stated. “During Joaquin’s career with the company, the board has witnessed firsthand his ability to effectively lead, collaborate and create value for all our stakeholders. We have the utmost confidence that he will continue to be an excellent steward of the business and look forward to working closely with him in this next chapter.”
Duato said: “Guided by our Credo, I will continue to work closely with the other directors to build on Johnson & Johnson’s success. I also want to thank Alex for his countless contributions to our company. He has inspired an entire generation of leaders with his passion for improving human health, built the best team in the industry and laid a strong foundation for the future of both Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the planned new consumer health company.”
“The opportunity to lead Johnson & Johnson through such a pivotal time in the company’s history has been the great privilege of my life,” Gorsky said. “I would like to express my deep appreciation to every employee, past and present, for their steadfast commitment to bringing our Credo to life every day and to improving the well-being of those who rely on us. It has been an honor to work alongside each of you, and I could not think of a better leader than Joaquin to lead the board as it helps guide the company to even greater achievements.”
