Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices U.S. Orthopedics President Leslie Storms Steps Down Amid DePuy Synthes Spin-off

She announced the decision publicly via LinkedIn and expressed gratitude towards the company.

Storms wrote, "I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside outstanding leaders and a talented team who are passionate about their work because they always keep the end beneficiaries in mind—the patients." She further added, "Johnson & Johnson has not only provided me with room to grow but also encouraged me to think from different perspectives, empowered me to utilize my expertise, contribute fresh insights, and supported me and my family in every way."

Leslie Storms

According to her LinkedIn profile, Storms began her career at Johnson & Johnson's Noramco active pharmaceutical ingredients division, serving as the global vice president of sales and marketing. This division was later sold in 2016. In 2013, she transferred to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, where she served as the senior marketing director for central nervous system products. She then joined Johnson & Johnson Vision, holding various vice president roles over a span of three years. Afterwards, she moved to the medical technology sector, serving successively as the vice president of surgical sales, president of surgical sales, and, in 2023, took on the role of president of the orthopedics business.

Notably, this personnel change comes as Johnson & Johnson is advancing the spin-off plan for its DePuy Synthes orthopedic business.

On October 14, 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to spin off its orthopedics business into an independent company within the next 18 to 24 months. This marks the company's second major divestiture within two years, aiming to focus on high-growth healthcare sectors.

Johnson & Johnson CFO Joe Wolk stated that the separation process is already underway, but the company does not expect further significant updates on the deal until mid-2026. The company is currently exploring various spin-off options, primarily focusing on a tax-free split, while remaining open to other alternatives.

Johnson & Johnson's orthopedics division, which produces hip, knee, and shoulder implants, surgical instruments, and other products, generated approximately $9.2 billion in revenue last year, accounting for about 10% of total revenue. After the spin-off, the new company will be named DePuy Synthes and will be led by industry veteran Namal Nawana.