Alex Gorsky

Alex Gorsky is the former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, a role in which he was one of only seven leaders to have held the dual position since the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1944. His tenure at Johnson & Johnson is marked by transformative leadership and a commitment to innovation in healthcare. Alex's journey with Johnson & Johnson began in 1988 as a sales representative with Janssen Pharmaceutica. Over the next three decades, he climbed the ranks through various roles in sales, marketing, and management, ultimately becoming CEO and Chairman in 2012. Under his leadership, the company significantly increased its research and development investments, reaching $12 billion in 2020. This investment facilitated numerous acquisitions and partnerships, driving growth across the Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, and Consumer Health sectors. Notably, Alex played a pivotal role in the development and deployment of the Janssen single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and the Ebola regimen in Africa. During his time as CEO, Johnson & Johnson was consistently recognised for its innovation and management excellence, appearing on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list annually and being named a Most Innovative Company by Fast Company. Alex was instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the company, spearheading initiatives such as a $100 million pledge to address health inequities in communities of colour in the United States. Beyond Johnson & Johnson, Alex has made significant contributions to the broader business and healthcare communities. He has served as Chair of the Business Roundtable Corporate Governance Committee and is a member of the Business Council Executive Committee. His accolades include the Ripple of Hope Award from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the BENS Eisenhower Award. Alex also holds board positions with Apple, IBM, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, among others. Alex's background includes a military career, having served six years in the Army and achieving the rank of captain. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Alex is married to his wife, Pat, and they have a son, Nick.