People In Brief

Poon leaving J&J: Johnson & Johnson has more than five months to choose the next global head of its Pharmaceuticals Group as Christine A. Poon announces she will retire in March 2009 after more than 23 years in the health care industry and eight years with the company. The firm says Poon, who also is vice chair of the board of directors, has not indicated whether she plans to continue working in the pharmaceutical industry. In an e-mail to company employees Poon said she will work with the firm "to successfully close 2008, complete plans for 2009 and provide assistance for an orderly transition." She added she has "a deep desire to take on new challenges and find opportunities to advance society and health through my continuing involvement with science, technology, innovation and business." Poon joined J&J in 2000 as group chairman for pharmaceuticals before being promoted to the executive committee and named worldwide chairman for pharmaceuticals in 2001 and worldwide chairman for medicines and nutritionals in 2003. She was elected to the board and named vice chair in 2005 and returned to the pharmaceutical post in 2007