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Johnson & Johnson MedTech is preparing for a major internal shift, outlining plans to operate under a fully business unit-led structure starting 1 January 2026. The move marks a continuation of the decentralised model the company began adopting in early 2024, one that leadership believes will bring faster decision-making and clearer ownership across its global teams.
An internal memo shared with employees and obtained by MassDevice explained that J&J MedTech is moving away from its long-standing regional model. In 2024, the organisation transitioned around 35,000 employees into business units (BUs), laying the groundwork for the next phase.
According to the memo, this approach has already resulted in more streamlined processes, reduced layers of approval, and improved visibility of how individual teams contribute to overall performance. Building on that early momentum, the company is now doubling down on end-to-end BU oversight.
“A more decentralized, BU-led operating model will cut down on bureaucracy, increase accountability and ownership, and help us move faster,” leadership wrote. “This will ultimately make us more competitive so we can do more for our customers and patients.”
A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson MedTech echoed this reasoning, noting that the updated structure is intended to create a “simpler, faster, and more competitive organization” with improved specialty focus and more efficient decision cycles.
The restructuring also coincides with a major strategic move: Johnson & Johnson’s plan to separate its DePuy Synthes Orthopaedics business, which accounts for nearly 30% of the company’s MedTech portfolio. The decision led J&J MedTech to re-evaluate how its remaining Cardiovascular, Surgery, and Vision units operate, particularly as the market continues to shift.
“To compete and win, we must have deeper specialization and faster, more connected ways of working within our BUs — from product development all the way through commercial execution around the world,” the internal memo said.
Under the new model, each business unit will hold full accountability for global performance, from strategy and development to commercial execution. All commercial leadership roles worldwide will now report directly into their respective BUs.
Key operational updates include:
Distinct regional leadership for Surgery and Electrophysiology (EP):
Surgery will report to Hani Abouhalka, Company Group Chair for Surgery.
EP will report to Michael Bodner, Company Group Chair for EP and Neurovascular.
Supply Chain realignment: Regional Supply Chain teams will report into MedTech Supply Chain under Luis Roman, VP of MedTech Supply Chain.
No changes to customer-facing roles, the U.S. commercial structure (already BU-driven), or the Vision, Heart Recovery, and Circulatory Restoration units. China will also continue operating under its current structure.
As part of the shift away from cross-MedTech regional leadership teams, several leadership changes are planned:
Gustavo Gala, VP of MedTech LATAM, will lead the structured implementation of the new operating model.
Vishnu Kalra, currently Company Group Chair of MedTech APAC, becomes International President of DePuy Synthes, reporting to Namal Nawana. Orthopaedics leaders across all regions outside the U.S. will report to him beginning in 2026.
Gavin Wood, Company Group Chair of MedTech EMEA, will support the transition through mid-2026.
If you are interested in tracking how global MedTech players respond to structural shifts, or want to connect with industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, join us at one of the upcoming MedTech World conferences:
MedTech World Middle East | Dubai, February 11–13
MedTech World North America | West Palm Beach, May 11–13
MedTech World Asia | Hong Kong, September 16–18
MedTech World Europe | Malta, November 11–13
