Johnson & Johnson appoints new global pharma chair

pharmafile | October 14, 2008 | News story | Sales and Marketing JJ 

Johnson & Johnson has named a new chairman for its struggling pharmaceuticals group, and kept the role under female leadership.

Sheri McCoy will succeed current leader Christine Poon in January 2009, and relinquish her present role of worldwide chairman for the company's surgical care division.

J&J's chief executive William Weldon said: "Sheri's strong research background and breadth of experience have prepared her well to assume the leadership of our Pharmaceuticals Group."

McCoy has a hard act to follow – Poon has regularly been rated one of the world's most powerful women in international business.

Poon announced plans to retire from the company in March next year and McCoy's old role will be filled by Alex Gorsky, who is currently the worldwide franchise chairman at J&J division Ethicon.

William Weldon added: "Sheri and Alex are proven leaders in driving high performance and developing talent across multiple business segments. These appointments allow for a smooth transition of responsibilities within our senior leadership team."

J&J pharma group recently lost patent protection on its blockbuster antipsychotic Risperdal, and has seen disappointing results in recent quarters, forcing the company to rely on medical device and consumer goods sales to deliver profit for the overall group.

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