The pharmaceutical industry is losing one its most experienced and highly regarded leaders with Janssen's Bruce Goodwin announcing his planned retirement from the company after almost four decades.
Mr Goodwin has been the managing director of Janssen Australia and New Zealand since early 2016 and on the board of Medicine Australia for almost the same period.
Mr Goodwin is in the unique position of having led the company's Australian business twice, having been managing director ten years ago, during which he also served on the Medicines Australia board that negotiated its Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government.
He served as the president of Janssen Japan between 2012 and 2016.
Since his return to Australia, Mr Goodwin has overseen company growth and is widely recognised as a champion of diversity and gender pay equity.
“For nearly four decades, Bruce has gone above and beyond to deliver for patients, healthcare professionals, team members, Janssen and our industry,” said Asia Pacific Company Group Chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Ai Hua Ong.
“His stellar career has spanned much of the globe, including two terms as Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand, three years as the President of Janssen Japan and key postings in Belgium and the United Kingdom,” she said.
“Above all, Bruce is a leader who combines long-term strategic vision with meticulous detail and focus.”
Ms Ong added, “Bruce has always put the needs of patients first. He is what we at Johnson & Johnson call ‘a true Credo leader’. On behalf of the whole J&J family, I thank Bruce for his many years of dedication and friendship and wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
“It’s been an incredible journey,” said Mr Goodwin. “The pharmaceutical sector was very different in 1983 and I’m pleased to have played a part in creating what is today a dynamic partner in the discovery, design and delivery of life-enhancing therapies.”
“It has been an honour and privilege to work with so many talented people and see the impact of our work on the health and wellbeing of so many people,” he said.
Mr Goodwin thanked the company's employees in Australia and New Zealand. “Tenacity, innovation and our unrelenting focus on the needs of patients are the characteristics that define Janssen and will continue to guide its success,” he said.
“While my career with Janssen and J&J may be coming to a close, I look forward to continuing to contribute to the healthcare sector in other ways,” he added.
The company said a new managing director will be announced in due course.
Medicines Australia also acknowledged Mr Goodwin.
“Bruce has exerted a huge influence on Medicines Australia as Board Director and Chair of the Performance and Governance sub-committee," said chair Dr Anna Lavelle.
"I appreciate greatly the insightful, fearless and considered advice that Bruce brings to complex discussions. He deserves our thanks for his objective and focussed efforts on behalf of all member companies."
"I wish him every happiness in the future and greatly value his legacy and his friendship,” added Dr Lavelle.
CEO Liz de Somer said, “Bruce has been a dedicated and energetic Board member, who has provided sage and frank guidance and will be greatly missed.
“Bruce has been a strong voice for industry and most importantly patients and has been instrumental in shaping the policy settings that ensure our industry continues to thrive in Australia.
“I have greatly valued Bruce’s experience, his unwavering support of Medicines Australia and the guidance he has provided to me personally. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
