Johnson and Johnson honours passing of former CEO

Johnson and Johnson has expressed its condolences following the passing of James Burke, who served as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company between 1976 and 1989.

Mr Burke, who died last week at the age of 87, began his Johnson and Johnson career in 1953 and ultimately spent 37 years with the firm, helping to expand its presence from 37 to 54 countries.

Under his leadership, the group saw its sales treble to more than $9 billion (5.6 billion pounds) and its net income increase fivefold, thus helping to shape Johnson and Johnson as a global healthcare concern.

In recognition of his outstanding corporate and civic leadership, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, the highest accolade a US civilian can receive.

Alex Gorsky, the current CEO of Johnson and Johnson, said: "His commitment to the values expressed in our credo served as the foundation for everything Jim did throughout his remarkable career. He will forever inspire the people of Johnson and Johnson."

The group is now one of the largest and most successful in the world, with more than 250 operating companies in 60 nations employing around 128,000 people.