Kathy Wengel

For most people, running one of the world's largest and most complex supply chains would be more than enough of a time commitment. But not for Kathy Wengel, executive vice president and chief global supply chain officer for health care and consumer product goods powerhouse Johnson & Johnson.

In addition to leading a global team of 50,000 supply chain professionals and partnering with thousands of customers, suppliers, and health care providers, Wengel also takes time to give back to the field. She is actively involved with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the global standards organization GS1 Global, the National Association of Manufacturers, and AWESOME (Achieving Women's Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education).

For that commitment to advancing the profession and her own innovative work at Johnson & Johnson, Wengel will be awarded CSCMP's 2019 Distinguished Service Award in September at the professional association's annual EDGE Conference.

Wengel is a member of Johnson & Johnson's executive committee and has direct responsibility for delivering the company's pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer health products and services to more than a billion patients and consumers every day. As the company's most senior supply chain executive, Wengel is responsible for all of the company's planning, manufacturing, distribution, customer service, and technical operations. She also has corporate-wide responsibility for quality and compliance; environmental health, safety, and sustainability; and engineering, real estate, and property services. 

Throughout her more than 30 years with the company, she has led efforts to put increased focus on the needs of the customer, to integrate and transform company-wide functions and processes, and to leverage the size and reach of the company.

Wengel continues to drive innovation at the company by focusing on how digital tools and advanced analytics can help evolve Johnson & Johnson's businesses and strategy. She is also recognized for building strong, diverse global teams and championing efforts to increase opportunities for women in STEM2D fields (science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing, and design). 

Along with her team, Wengel partners with companies in a wide range of industries beyond health care and actively engages with leading organizations and universities to identify the best new concepts and practices. She is also committed to educating and actively mentoring the next generation of supply chain professionals.