Alex Gorsky

Title: Chief Executive Officer, member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Executive Committee

Johnson & Johnson

Biography: Mr. Gorsky began his Johnson & Johnson career as a sales representative with Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. in 1988. Over the next 15 years, he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility in sales, marketing, and management. In 2001, Mr. Gorsky was appointed President of Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc., and in 2003, he was named Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceuticals business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Gorsky left Johnson & Johnson in 2004 to join the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, where he served as head of the company's pharmaceuticals business in North America. Mr. Gorsky returned to Johnson & Johnson in 2008 as Company Group Chairman for Ethicon. In early 2009, he was appointed Worldwide Chairman of the Surgical Care Group and member of the Executive Committee. In September 2009, he was appointed Worldwide Chairman of the Medical Devices and Diagnostics Group. Mr. Gorsky became Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee in January 2011. On April 26, 2012, he assumed his current position. 

Keynote Time: Friday, Novemer 16 (1:30 - 2:30p in Blau Auditorium)

R. Gordon Knapp

Title: President, North American Family Care

Kimberly-Clark

Biography: R. Gordon Knapp is President of North American Family Care.  In this position he is responsible for all of Kimberly-Clark’s consumer tissue business in North America including responsibilities for global Family Care supply chain and manufacturing.  Additionally, he is responsible for growing some of the worlds most recognized and trusted consumer brands, including KLEENEX®, COTTONELLE®, SCOTT® and VIVA®. Gordon has nearly 22 years of experience leading the development, introduction, revitalization and growth of many consumer brands.  He joined Kimberly-Clark in 2007 from Pfizer, Inc., where he most recently served as President of Pfizer’s North American Consumer Healthcare Division. .  Prior to joining Pfizer through its acquisition of Warner-Lambert, Gordon spent 15 years with Warner-Lambert in a series of assignments around the globe. 

Gordon has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.  

Keynote Time: Friday, Novemer 16 (9:30 - 10:15a in Blau Auditorium )

Jason Marker

Title: Chief Marketing Officer, KFC US

KFC/Yum

Biography: Jason Marker joined KFC US as Chief Marketing Officer in November of 2010. Under his leadership, the brand has developed a more relevant voice in the industry with break-through and edgier advertising creative supported by continuing the conversation with KFC consumers through social and digital media. This year, the brand has experienced successful promotions with the Classic Pot Pie, the launch of the New Chicken Littles, Original Recipe Bites and the currently promoted Dip’ems product.

Prior to joining the KFC US team, Jason spent 18 months in the role of VP of Global Branding for KFC at YUM! Restaurants International (YRI) based in Dallas. He was identified as a key marketing talent after eight successful years in Australia and New Zealand, including his leadership role as CMO of KFC and Pizza Hut. Jason played a critical role in the global launch of the "So Good" platform for KFC.

Jason is a people grower and works tirelessly to champion the professional development of his team members by encouraging global creativity, best practice sharing and innovative thinking as a daily opportunity.

Keynote Time: Thursday, November 15 (7:30 - 8:30p in Blau Auditorium)