Johnson and Johnson consumer group chairman to retire

Johnson and Johnson has announced the imminent retirement of Colleen Goggins, the worldwide chairman of its consumer group.

Ms Goggins, 56, will step down from her position on March 1st 2011, following a career at Johnson and Johnson which has seen her occupy multiple roles for the firm in the last 30 years.

She originally joined the company in 1981 and progressed through various executive positions in the firm's US and Canadian operations, assuming her current status as an executive committee member in 2001.

William Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson and Johnson, said the business will soon announce succession plans which will allow Ms Goggins' responsibilities to be transitioned smoothly.

He added: "Colleen has demonstrated our commitment to our consumers and our people and has made major contributions to our success."

According to Johnson and Johnson's most recent financial report, the company accrued $15.3 billion (9.8 billion pounds) in sales in the second quarter of 2010, up by 0.6 per cent year-on-year.