Johnson and Johnson appoints new director

Johnson & Johnson, pharmaceutical and healthcare products company, has announced the appointment of William D Perez as a new director of the firm.

Mr Perez, currently president and chief executive officer of Wm Wrigley Jr, was offered the position following a unanimous decision from the board of directors at Johnson & Johnson.

Prior to his taking up the role of heading the market-leading chewing gum manufacturer in October 2006, Mr Perez held the position of president and chief executive officer at Nike, an appointment which followed his time in the same job at private international consumer products company SC Johnson.

Mr Perez, also a director of Cornell University Council, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Hallmark Cards, graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in government before obtaining a graduate degree from the American Graduate School of International Management.

William C Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, said: “Bill’s vast and diverse experience in leading global consumer businesses will be invaluable, particularly to the continuing growth of our premier consumer healthcare business.”

He added that the firm is looking forward to the “keen insights” and “business perspectives” from Mr Perez.

Earlier this week, Johnson & Johnson reported on a recent meeting with its financial analysts to highlight growth strategies for its consumer and pharmaceuticals business.