Duato succeeds Alex Gorsky, who intends to step down from the role following a brief transitional period. The appointment of Duato becomes effective in January 2023.
In August 2021, Gorsky announced plans to hand the CEO role over to Duato, citing family health reasons. Gorsky remained on as executive chair following a spate of leadership moves at the start of 2022.
“The opportunity to lead Johnson & Johnson through such a pivotal time in the company’s history has been the great privilege of my life,” said Gorsky. “I would like to express my deep appreciation to every employee, past and present, for their steadfast commitment to bringing our credo to life every day and to improving the well-being of those who rely on us. It has been an honor to work alongside each of you, and I could not think of a better leader than Joaquin to lead the board as it helps guide the company to even greater achievements.”
As part of that series of changes, Duato assumed the role of CEO and joined the board on Jan. 3, 2022. Before that, he held a number of senior leadership positions across more than 30 years with the company.
More on Joaquin Duato
Duato previously served as vice chair of the executive committee at the company. He provided strategic direction for the company’s pharmaceutical and consumer health sectors. Duato also oversaw both the information technology and the global supply chain arms.
He earned an MBA from ESADE in Barcelona, Spain, and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Guided by our credo, I will continue to work closely with the other directors to build on Johnson & Johnson’s success,” said Duato. “I also want to thank Alex for his countless contributions to our company. He has inspired an entire generation of leaders with his passion for improving human health, built the best team in the industry and laid a strong foundation for the future of both Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the planned new consumer health company.”