THE INTERVIEW
 |
Dr Guy Lebeau |
Q If I wasn’t talking to you right now, what would you be doing?
A I would be spending time talking to our high potential leaders in the organisation to discuss their career development within Johnson & Johnson. Talent development is one of my top priorities.
Q How did you get into the medical device industry?
A The speed of innovation by med tech companies and the ability to help millions of patients intrigued me instantly. As a surgeon in France, it was extremely gratifying to help patients and I was attracted to the idea of joining Johnson & Johnson and making a contribution towards the health care of millions of patients around the world.
Q What is the best thing about your work?
A I enjoy the fast pace that enables me to jump from one innovation to another and from one culture to another. The other rewarding part of my role is the ability to assess and develop talent within our organisation. It is very stimulating to shape the next generation of leaders.
Q What do you think is the most important medical device invention ever?
A There are so many groundbreaking medical devices that have been invented that it is difficult to name only one. My top choices would include the suture, which made a lasting impact on surgery and has been through significant transformations and adaptations for hundreds of years; the pacemaker, which was first created in Europe and ultimately had a global impact on cardiovascular disease treatment; and the knee prosthesis is also ranked highly because of the dramatic change it can have in restoring the joy of motion for a patient. All of these med tech inventions have altered treatment for millions of patients and have made a positive difference in health care.
Q What should people give attention to?
A The med tech industry is going through rapid evolution. Innovation is best achieved through interaction with doctors and this will continue to be an imperative to meet the demand for new medical advancements. Patients are waiting and we need to continue to accelerate innovation.
Q What is the most exciting development on the horizon?
A New medical innovations are being developed from fields outside medicine, which provide a new platform for ideas and growth. For example, the concept of navigation inside the body was taken from the missile industry. There is a wealth of ideas and inspiration that comes from looking outside your own area and finding interesting new ways to solve health problems.
Q What do you want from your suppliers?
A As a provider of medical devices and diagnostics, we strive to anticipate our customers’ needs. Ensuring a positive customer experience is at the forefront of our company mission. The same is expected of our suppliers.
Dr Guy Lebeau is Company Group Chairman Europe, Middle East and Africa for Johnson and Johnson, 1, rue Camille Desmoulins, F-92797 Issy-les-Moulineaux , France.
