2009 Alex Gorsky
Chairman, Board of Directors and CEO of Johnson & Johnson awarded 2009 Honorable Mentor
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) awarded Alex Gorsky of Johnson & Johnson as its 2009 Honorable Mentor.
“Alex was selected as the 2009 HBA Honorable Mentor because of his deep personal commitment to the advancement of women in the healthcare industry," said Ceci Zak, chair emeritus of the HBA. “We are grateful for all of his contributions to our organization and to the countless women he has motivated, mentored and encouraged to be great leaders in business.”
The HBA created the Honorable Mentor award in 2001 to annually recognize an individual who demonstrates long-term advocacy for current and future women leaders. Recipients exhibit personal dedication to developing, mentoring and promoting women in the industry, and are supportive of the HBA’s core purpose to further the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare.
Alex is chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson and chairmen of the executive committee, the company’s senior leadership team. He was named CEO in April 2012 and chairman of the board in Dec. 2012. Alex began his Johnson & Johnson career as a sales representative with Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1988. Throughout his career he has advanced through positions of increasing responsibility in sales, marketing and management with assignments in the U.S., Europe Africa and the Middle East.
Alex left Johnson & Johnson in 2004 to serve as chief operating officer at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. He was named CEO and head of pharma North America of Novartis in the Fall of 2005. He returned to Johnson & Johnson in 2008 as company group chairman for Ethicon, Inc. In 2009, he was appointed as worldwide chairman of surgical care group and named HBA’s Honorable Mentor. Before being appointed as CEO, Alex served as vice chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s executive committee.
Alex served for six years in the U.S. Army, finishing his career with the rank of captain. During that same time, he earned the Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings and served in Europe, the U.S. and Panama.
Upon receiving the award, Alex stated, “I have always believed a leader's performance is best judged by how many individuals he or she has personally touched and developed along the way and, throughout my career, I have aspired to be that kind of leader. I am humbled to be named Honorable Mentor this year by the HBA and am very proud to be associated with this strong industry organization that nurtures and inspires women to lead others.”
About the HBA
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) is a global nonprofit organization serving a community women and men in leading life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical and supporting companies. The HBA has nearly 120 Corporate Partners and nearly 8,000 members served by more than 20 chapters and affiliates across the U.S. and Europe.