Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) announced today that, after 33 years, Michael Ullmann will retire as EVP and general counsel.
Ullmann’s retirement will be made effective on Oct. 17, 2022, at which point Elizabeth Forminard will succeed him as EVP and general counsel, as well as take up a position as a member of Johnson & Johnson’s executive committee.
New Brunswick, New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson said in a news release that Ullann and Forminard will work together during a transition period until the former’s retirement.
Ullmann joined the company as a mergers and acquisitions attorney in 1989 and has held positions of increasing responsibility since, serving as general counsel for the past 11 years. He also served as the executive sponsor for J&J’s Hispanic and Latino employee resource group and as a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, an organization that works to build a more open and diverse legal profession.
“For three decades, Mike set the standard for credo leadership at the company. I thank him for his unwavering commitment to help deliver on Our Purpose of advancing health for humanity,” Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato said in the release. “Throughout his tenure, Mike has guided the company through an evolving global environment with respect and clarity, always keeping our patients and customers at the center of all decisions.”
Forminard has been with Johnson & Johnson for 16 years and served as general counsel across its pharmaceutical, consumer health and medtech sectors. She was also worldwide VP leading the corporate governance function.
Most recently, she served as general counsel for the pharmaceuticals legal group and a member of the pharmaceuticals group operating committee.
“I’m thrilled to appoint Liz to this important role and will lean on her strong business acumen and understanding of patient and customer needs during this pivotal time at our Company,” Duato said. “I’m confident her distinguished experience and leadership will help us find new pathways to bring innovative healthcare solutions to those in need all over the world.”