So long and thanks for all the recalls, Bill Weldon.
Johnson & Johnson
It seems fitting that the head of medical devices, which has become the largest segment at Johnson & Johnson, would become the new CEO. But Gorsky has experience in drugs too, having started at Johnson & Johnson as a drug sales rep and having run Novartis' North American pharmaceuticals business.
A lack of manufacturing supervision at Johnson & Johnson has led to multiple recalls, mostly in the consumer health division, and additional Food and Drug Administration oversight. Weldon stayed around to help turn things around -- it was the least he could do -- and for the most part, Johnson & Johnson is better off than it was a year ago.
Enter Gorsky.
A background in sales will help Gorsky lead Johnson & Johnson out of the predicament Weldon's leadership put the conglomerate in. With manufacturing issues mostly under control, recapturing the patients will be the big chore for the consumer health division.
Over-the-counter medication is a cutthroat business where brand loyalty is important since doctors aren't usually making recommendations. With Tylenol and other Johnson & Johnson products unavailable, consumers had no choice but to get their symptoms relieved by drugs produced by rivals Bayer, Merck, and Pfizer
In addition to having to woo back its old customers from the competition, Johnson & Johnson's consumer health division has a new threat from a joint partnership between Teva Pharmaceuticals
Can Johnson & Johnson come back? Sure. It survived the 1982 Tylenol tainting recall. But that was one product (and not the company's fault). This isn't going to be as quick of a recovery. Investors should expect it may take Gorsky's entire time at the helm to get the consumer health division back in the premier position it was in.
In the meantime, investors can enjoy their dividend and hope growth in the other divisions can help push the stock price higher. If you're looking for more dividend ideas, check out the Fool's new free report "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Just click here to get your free copy.