News Article

Denmark-based Coloplast has appointed Gavin Wood, a former senior executive at Johnson & Johnson, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 1, 2026.

This appointment ends a ten month leadership search following the departure of Kristian Villumsen in May 2025. Wood joins the Danish medical device specialist from his recent role as Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech EMEA, where he managed a multi-billion-dollar business encompassing surgery, orthopaedics, and cardiovascular solutions.

The transition marks an interesting moment for Coloplast as it seeks to revitalise growth. During the interim period led by Lars Rasmussen, the company faced operational headwinds, including a voluntary product recall in China and currency fluctuations that impacted net income.

Wood brings two decades of MedTech experience to the role, including previous leadership positions at Mölnlycke and as Worldwide President of Ethicon Wound Closure and Healing. The Board of Directors expressed confidence that Wood possesses the commercial profile necessary to drive value creation and long-term growth.

Investors will likely look to the new Chief Executive Officer for strategic clarity, particularly regarding the future of the Interventional Urology. Wood, a Canadian national currently residing in Switzerland, will relocate to Denmark to take up the position. Lars Rasmussen will remain in the interim role until the end of April to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.