Vol. 38, No. 18

1-7-2009
By:

Johnson & Johnson exec tapped to lead Fisher college

Christine Poon has built her career upon the notion that research is crucial to business success.

As she’s risen to the position of vice chairman of Johnson & Johnson and worldwide chair of that company’s Pharmaceuticals Group, part of her responsibility was to oversee the expansion of its pharmaceutical research pipeline.

She’ll bring that experience and more with her when she becomes dean of the Max M. Fisher College of Business in April 2009.  

“Early in my career I learned the thrill of translating basic research ideas into products and services that could make a real difference to people,” said Poon, who also will hold the John W. Berry Sr. Chair in Business.

“I am eager to work with the world-class faculty and exceptional students at Fisher, who are perfectly positioned to drive the business strategies that will contribute to Ohio and the nation’s economic recovery.”

Poon succeeds Joe Alutto, who became provost in 2007.

Among her tasks when she gets here will be to help advance commercialization as an institutional objective, strengthening the college’s outreach and connectivity and emphasize its role in Ohio’s economic recovery.

 “Chris’s vast, global experience in scientific research and development, as well as her demonstrated business acumen, will be invaluable assets for our faculty, students, staff and Fisher’s large array of constituents,” Alutto said.

“Especially given the current international financial and market crises, Chris’s leadership, expertise and experience will have an enormous positive impact that will help guide the direction of Fisher, the university and ultimately Ohio’s economy and beyond.”

Along with her 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Poon brings with her an impressive set of credentials. She’s consistently ranked among the Most Powerful Women in Business by both Forbes and Fortune, was named as Business Leader of the Future by CNBC/Wall Street Journal in 2005, and listed as one of the Most Inspiring Asian-Americans of All Time by Goldsea, the Asian American Daily.

But after all that, she wanted to use her position to help make a difference in the next generation of business leaders, and said the quality of students and faculty here was what drew her to Fisher.

“I am excited at the prospect of being part of the college and the university, surrounded by bright young minds who are facing today’s most critical business challenges,” she said. “I have learned much from a very fulfilling private sector career, but I believe there is much more that Ohio State’s talented faculty and students can teach me.”

And President Gordon Gee, for one, is confident that Poon will make an immediate, positive impact. “Christine Poon brings a remarkable record of leadership and innovation and has a deep understanding of the value that research brings to our economy,” Gee said. “Her extensive professional experience will enrich and enliven our faculty and their work with students as well as bring new opportunities to foster external partnerships. We are fortunate to have her expertise at Ohio State.”

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