Johnson and Johnson names former Aetna head as director

Johnson and Johnson has announced that healthcare sector veteran Ronald Williams has joined the company's board of directors.

Mr Williams is the former chairman and chief executive officer of healthcare benefits company Aetna, where he was employed in various roles between 2001 and his eventual retirement in April 2011.

Currently, he is serving as a member of the management advisory board to US president Barack Obama, offering his expertise in business practice to improve the operation of the nation's government.

Bill Weldon, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson and Johnson, said the appointment will allow the company to benefit from Mr Williams' "lifetime" of experience and passion for healthcare delivery reform.

"He is a welcome addition to the board and we look forward to working with him," Mr Weldon added.

Last month, the company announced that it has agreed a deal to acquire medical technology manufacturer Synthes in a deal expected to close early next year.