Fireside Chat with Mike Ullman, EVP & General Counsel J&J and MIT’s Sandbox

Join MIT’s Sandbox as we host an interactive Fireside Chat with Mike Ullman, retired EVP & General Counsel of Johnson & Johnson (full bio below). Come and hear his stories from his 11 year tenure helping guide and shape the largest Life Sciences company in the world, Johnson & Johnson. During his time with J&J, the market cap increased from $177 to $450 billion and sales grew to $94 billion and maintained its reputation as one of the most admired companies in the world.

He’ll share reflections of his front line experiences during the COVID pandemic including J&J COVID vaccine development, clinical trial and regulatory process, and the decision to sell at non-profit pricing. He will also share his perspective on the forces shaping the broader innovation intra and entrepreneurial landscape in Life Sciences. As an advocate for ethical and values-based leadership he will share his thoughts on emphasizing DEI in recruitment, and development and promotion of diverse talent.

Don’t miss this inspiring event ! Bring your questions! Open to the MIT community. Light refreshments will be provided after the event.

Read Mike's full bio below:

(Retired) Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Executive Committee Member, Johnson & Johnson

Michael Ullmann served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Executive Committee Member of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) for 11 years from 2011 until his retirement in January 2023. As General Counsel of the world’s largest Life Sciences company, he successfully guided JNJ through high-profile and high-risk situations, while helping to grow the business, increase shareholder value and maintain its reputation as one of the most admired companies in the world (currently #17 on Fortune’s Most Admired list). During his tenure as EVP, market cap increased from $177 to $450 billion and sales grew to $94 billion.

Ullmann led a global organization of over 2,000 employees in 60 countries encompassing Legal, Government Relations & Policy, ESG Strategy, Intellectual Property, Corporate Governance and the Risk Management areas of Data Privacy, Compliance and Security.

He has extensive experience in government affairs and public policy issues in Washington, D.C. focused on Congress and regulatory agencies (DOJ, FDA and SEC), as well as global experience in markets, including, China, the EU, Asia and Latin America. In his Executive Committee role, he traveled to over 30 countries to meet with government officials, business partners and employees.

In support of Innovation, Ullmann played a critical role in over 100 M&A transactions (totaling over $100 billion) encompassing a wide range from multi-billion-dollar public company acquisitions and divestitures to venture capital investments. During the COVID pandemic, he was intimately involved in all aspects of JNJ’s COVID vaccine, including its decision to sell at non-profit pricing, clinical trial and regulatory approval processes and supply chain and regulatory challenges.

Over his 11 years in role, Ullmann reported directly to three JNJ Chairman/CEO’s and worked closely with the JNJ Board of Directors, attending all Board meetings and providing strategic advice and driving successful results on Board matters, including ESG issues, investor activism, M&A, CEO transitions and geopolitical situations with significant financial and reputational risk.

Ullmann is recognized for and has spoken frequently within J&J and externally on ethical and values-based leadership. He is known as a leader and advocate of DEI in the recruitment, development and promotion of diverse talent within JNJ and in the legal industry. He served as the global Executive Sponsor of the Hispanic/Latino resource group at JNJ and was an active member of the national Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

In the non-profit world, Ullmann serves as a Director and Audit Committee Chairman of Americares, the global healthcare and relief organization with over $1.2 billion provided in program services annually. He also served as a Board member and Chairman of the Human Resources/Comp Committee of, and continues to be involved with, the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

Ullmann graduated from Columbia University Law School and received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

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