Alex Gorsky

American businessman and former CEO of Johnson & Johnson

Alex Gorsky is an American businessman who served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Johnson & Johnson, one of the world's largest healthcare companies. He is known for his leadership in the healthcare industry and his contributions to the development and distribution of medical products and pharmaceuticals.

Early life and education

Alex Gorsky was born on May 24, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas. He grew up in a family with a strong military background, which influenced his early life and career choices. Gorsky attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. After graduating, he served in the United States Army for six years, achieving the rank of captain.

Following his military service, Gorsky pursued further education and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1996.

Career

Gorsky began his career at Johnson & Johnson in 1988 as a sales representative with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of the company. Over the years, he held various positions of increasing responsibility within the company, including roles in sales, marketing, and management.

In 2001, Gorsky was appointed as the President of Janssen, and in 2003, he became the Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2009, he left Johnson & Johnson to join Novartis, where he served as the Head of Pharmaceuticals for North America.

Gorsky returned to Johnson & Johnson in 2011 as the Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee. In 2012, he was named CEO, succeeding William C. Weldon. Under his leadership, Johnson & Johnson focused on innovation, global expansion, and the development of new healthcare solutions.

Leadership and achievements

During his tenure as CEO, Gorsky emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices. He led Johnson & Johnson through significant challenges, including legal issues related to product safety and the opioid crisis. Gorsky also played a key role in the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the development and distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Gorsky's leadership style is characterized by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as a focus on fostering a culture of innovation within the company. He has been recognized for his contributions to the healthcare industry and has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Retirement and legacy

In August 2021, Gorsky announced his retirement as CEO of Johnson & Johnson, effective January 2022. He was succeeded by Joaquin Duato, who took over as CEO. Gorsky continued to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors until his full retirement.

Gorsky's legacy at Johnson & Johnson is marked by his efforts to advance the company's mission of improving global health and well-being. His leadership during critical periods in the company's history has left a lasting impact on the organization and the healthcare industry as a whole.

Related pages

• Johnson & Johnson
• Janssen Pharmaceuticals
• COVID-19 pandemic
• United States Military Academy

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  Alex Gorsky