NEW YORK – Johnson & Johnson chief executive Alex Gorsky will step down in January, ceding the role to long-time company executive Joaquin Duato, announced the health care giant yesterday.
Gorsky has been CEO since 2012, and is stepping aside “due to family health reasons”, according to a company press release, which said he will stay on as executive chairman.
He oversaw the development of the company’s one-shot Covid-19 vaccine. His tenure also coincided with a 60% increase in research and development, the company said.
Gorsky has also been at the helm during a recent settlement with United States states over opioids, agreeing to pay up to US$5 billion (RM21 billion) over nine years.
However, J&J still faces litigation from plaintiffs who have sued it, alleging talcum products caused cancer.
Duato, currently the vice-chairman of the company’s executive committee, will also join the board of directors.
“I am honoured to serve as J&J’s next CEO,” said Duato in the press release.
“As the world continues to face significant health challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, I am inspired by J&J’s opportunity to play a key role in meaningfully improving the global trajectory of human health.” – AFP, August 20, 2021
