CURRENT POSITION
Chairman and chief executive, Johnson & Johnson, since April, 2002.
CAREER PATH
Joined J&J as a sales representative right out of college. Made his mark as head of J&J's new Ethicon Endo-Surgery business in 1992; eventually it became the dominant player in the field. Took over the drug operation in 1998, and made important changes to J&J's highly decentralized system.
EARLY AMBITION
At first, he figured he'd be rich if his J&J salary hit $10,000 a year. Compensation in 2002: $2.3 million salary and bonus, plus options and other incentive-based compensation worth $11.4 million.
SPORTS HABIT
At the last minute, he insisted plans for a new J&J facility be altered to include a basketball court.
BLUE-COLLAR ROOTS
Both Weldon's parents were union workers in New York City -- his father was a Broadway stage-hand and his mother was a costume seamstress for the theater and ballet.
FAMILY
Married to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, for 33 years. They have two grown children, a son and a daughter.
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