J&J’s New Insider CEO Brings Expertise From Crucial Pharma Post

Johnson & Johnson went to another insider to lead the health-care giant through the pandemic, naming Joaquin Duato to replace longtime veteran Alex Gorsky, and edging up the stock to a record high.

Now vice chairman of the executive committee, Duato will take the reins effective Jan. 3 and take a seat on the company’s board, J&J said in a statement late Thursday. Gorsky, who’s been at the helm for nine years, will become executive chairman.

Joaquin Duato

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Duato, 59, is a three-decade veteran of J&J, as is Gorsky. He has served in his current role since 2018, guiding the ...