Former J&J chairman, CEO passes away

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Former Johnson & Johnson chairman and CEO James Burke passed away Sept. 28. He was 87 years old.

Burke, who served Johnson & Johnson for 37 years — 16 years as president and 13 years as chairman and CEO — helped the company experience noteworthy growth: The company's sales grew more than threefold to $9 billion; net income increased nearly fivefold; its market capitalization nearly tripled; and it expanded its presence from 37 to 54 countries, all while focusing on meeting significant unmet needs of patients and the company] as a global, healthcare concern, Burke's career will likely be best remembered for his steady leadership of the company during the Tylenol poisonings in 1982 and 1986."

Among his achievements, Burke also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his corporate and civic leadership by President Bill Clinton in 2000.

For a chronology of Burke's career, click here.

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