Johnson and Johnson announces executive committee changes

Johnson and Johnson has announced the appointment of Alex Gorsky and Sheri McCoy as the new vice-chairmen of its executive committee.

Mr Gorsky, the current worldwide chairman for medical devices and diagnostics, will be joining global pharmaceuticals chairman Ms McCoy in an expanded office of the chairman, alongside chief executive officer William Weldon.

The appointments will come into effect on January 3rd 2011 and will see both executives assume expanded responsibilities in their respective areas of operation.

It comes as part of a wide-ranging series of amendments to the company's leadership structure, which will also see Michael Mahoney, Jesse Wu, Peter Fasolo, Joaquin Duato and Dr Paul Stoffels assume new positions.

Mr Weldon explained: "These leadership changes are designed to ensure that our company remains well-positioned and appropriately structured for sustainable, long-term growth in the healthcare industry."

Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of a recommended public offer to acquire fellow healthcare business Crucell.