A bold-thinking change agent who is transforming and building successful organizations. A customer-focused corporate leader who is driving growth by optimizing mature markets and fully developing emerging markets. A results-driven executive who is challenging the status quo, revitalizing organizational cultures and positioning companies for sustained growth.

These are just a handful of descriptions that accurately describe Ashley A. McEvoy’s noteworthy career. This past January, she was named company group chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s $3 billion Vision Care franchise. Before this appointment, Ashley was worldwide president of one of J&J’s medical device companies, president of a J&J consumer health company and had leadership responsibility for multiple iconic brands within and outside of J&J. She is a student of the world, acutely tuned to the changing needs of global customers.  

But for Ashley the key to success is her employees, and she invests heavily to help them realize their full potential. “What really motivates me is getting the best out of others – having a vision for them, nurturing them, encouraging them, stretching them and being their champion. It’s not just about impacting careers, it’s about impacting lives by helping people see and realize their best future.”

Getting the best from her employees includes being comfortable with different, sometimes divergent, points of view. “I strongly believe in the power of diversity of thought, which can only come from truly diverse teams. Sometimes, that brings creative tension, but it always produces a superior result.”

Ashley also encourages employees to determine their work and personal priorities. “Everyone needs time to think about what matters most. Because each day brings different challenges and opportunities, it is important to focus on what truly counts. If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. You will be a better leader, employee, parent, friend and spouse or partner for it.”