Sheri McCoy American businesswoman and scientist Country: USA

1. Biography of Sherilyn McCoy
2. Career at Johnson & Johnson
3. Leadership at Johnson & Johnson
4. Current Involvement

Biography of Sherilyn McCoy

Sherilyn McCoy is an American entrepreneur and scientist, best known for her roles as the CEO of Avon Products and the former Vice Chairman and Member of the Board of Johnson & Johnson. She was born in Quincy, Massachusetts and attended the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology. She then went on to earn a master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. In 1988, she obtained her MBA from Rutgers University.

Career at Johnson & Johnson

McCoy started her career as a chemical engineer at Johnson & Johnson in 1982, where she focused on research and development of feminine hygiene products. She quickly rose through the ranks and became the leader of the company's research division. Later, she became the global president of the Newborn Franchise, overseeing the development of baby products.

In 2005, McCoy became the Chairman of Ethicon Endo-Surgery and was responsible for managing the Latin American markets. She also served on the operating committee for medical diagnostic devices. In 2008, she became the Chairman of the Surgical Care Group, making her one of the highest-ranking women in the pharmaceutical industry.

Leadership at Johnson & Johnson

On January 1, 2009, McCoy became the Worldwide Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Group at Johnson & Johnson. In this role, she was responsible for the development and distribution of new products, as well as establishing new commercial alliances and mergers. Under her leadership, the company successfully navigated through several legal battles, although it lost exclusive rights to certain patents. In 2010, she was promoted to Vice President of the company.

In February 2012, after 30 years at Johnson & Johnson, McCoy missed out on another promotion when Alex Gorsky replaced William C. Weldon as the CEO of the company. Shortly after, she announced her departure from the company. McCoy officially stepped down from her position on April 18, 2012, and on April 23, 2012, she became the CEO of Avon Products.

Current Involvement

Currently, Sherilyn McCoy serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, which focuses on developing programs for students pursuing careers in technology and manufacturing. She also holds a position in the President's Business Leaders group at Rutgers University and is a member of the Board of Directors for a Roman Catholic art college in Easton, Massachusetts.

In 2008, Fortune magazine included Sherilyn McCoy in their list of the 50 most powerful women in business. By 2011, she had risen to the 10th position in the ranking. In August 2012, she was also featured in Forbes magazine's list of the world's most powerful women, ranking 39th.