2004: Christine Poon

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) has named Christine Poon as its 2004 Woman of the Year. 

Chris’ visionary abilities and passionate leadership make her an exceptional role model for women in the healthcare industry,” says HBA chair emeritus Daria Blackwell. “We are honored to recognize Chris for her extraordinary leadership ability and tremendous compassion and commitment that plays such an integral part in inspiring the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.” 

William C. Weldon, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, said “Chris is an extraordinary business leader and someone who dares to make a difference. She brings great compassion to her role, caring deeply about enhancing the lives of patients and their caregivers everywhere.”

Many of Poon’s colleagues nominated her to receive this coveted award. JoAnn Heffernan Heisen, vice president and CIO at Johnson & Johnson, commented “Not only is Chris one of the highest-ranking women in the pharmaceutical industry, she is in a position of great visibility and influence as a role model for future leaders.”

As executive committee member and worldwide chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s medicines and nutritionals division (her position at the time of this award), Poon is responsible for all pharmaceutical, consumer pharmaceutical and nutritional businesses. Before joining Johnson & Johnson in 2000, Poon spent 15 years with Bristol-Myers Squibb where her most recent position was president of international medicines. In 1997, Poon was named president of medical devices and in 1994 was named president and general manager of Squibb Diagnostics’ Canadian operation. Poon was later named vice president and senior vice president for Canada and the Latin America pharmaceutical operations.

Poon’s strong leadership “evolves around her focus on people and her passion about extending and enhancing the lives of patients and families all over the world,” said Gary M. Reedy, worldwide vice president Biopharmaceuticals Public Policy, “Likewise, Chris is a great champion of work place initiatives, such as the Women’s Leadership Initiative and diversity program at Johnson & Johnson.”

While colleagues admire her for her global contributions, Poon avidly embraces opportunities to make a difference right in her local community. She is an active participant on the board of directors of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Joseph C. Scodari, company group chairman Biopharmaceuticals notes Poon’s personal attributes as keys to her professional success. “In addition to the clear business outcomes Chris has achieved, she has found the time and energy to devote to many issues critical to the sustained success of any business enterprise,” says Scodari. “Chris has built strong support deep in our organization as a result of her approachability and warm personal style.”

Read more about Christine Poon in Pharmaceutical Executive magazine's cover story.

All information in the honoree’s bio is reflective of the time they won the award.