Johnson & Johnson said Thursday that Joaquin Duato will change to the role of CEO on January 3, supplanting Alex Gorsky.
Gorsky, who has served as CEO and director since 2012, will become executive chairman around then, as indicated by a news release.
Duato has worked for Johnson & Johnson for over 30 years, as per the release, and serves right now as the vice chairman of Johnson and Johnson’s executive committee.
“As the world continues to face significant health challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, I am inspired by Johnson & Johnson’s opportunity to play a key role in meaningfully improving the global trajectory of human health,” Duato said.
Gorsky said in the release that it was an honor to lead the organization.
“I have the utmost confidence in Joaquin to lead Johnson & Johnson as the Company’s next CEO,” Gorsky said. “Over our more than 25 years of working together, he has always demonstrated a passion for solving complex medical and business challenges.”
It was during Gorsky’s time in charge that Johnson & Johnson fostered a one-dose vaccine for Covid-19. He was likewise leading the organization when it confronted claims guaranteeing its talcum powder caused cancer. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) said in 2020 that it would quit selling the product.