GE HealthCare names new president and CEO, China

Rhea-AI Summary

GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) announced a leadership transition in its China operations. Yihao Zhang, current president and CEO of China, will retire effective July 1, 2025. Will Song, a Johnson & Johnson veteran of over 20 years, will take over the position, joining on April 1, 2025.

Under Zhang's leadership since 2019, GE HealthCare achieved significant growth in China, including doubled innovation investment within five years and expanded manufacturing presence across Beijing, Wuxi, Tianjin, Shanghai, with new sites in Chengdu and Shenzhen. Zhang established a clear blueprint for regional growth through localization and innovation strategies.

Song joins from Johnson & Johnson, where he served as global senior vice president and China chairman. He holds leadership positions in various industry associations and brings extensive experience in the Chinese healthcare market. Both executives will work together to ensure a smooth transition in this strategically important region.

Positive

• Expanded manufacturing footprint across 6 Chinese cities
• Doubled innovation investment in China within 5 years
• Secured experienced successor with 20+ years industry expertise
• Planned 3-month transition period ensures business continuity

Negative

• Loss of successful regional CEO who drove significant growth since 2019

Yihao Zhang to retire from GE HealthCare, hands over leadership position to long-time Johnson & Johnson executive, Will Song, a highly knowledgeable and respected leader with a proven track record and decades of industry experience

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC), a leading global healthcare solutions provider, today announced that Yihao Zhang, president and CEO, China, will retire from the company effective July 1, 2025. Will Song, a Johnson & Johnson veteran for over 20 years, has been named GE HealthCare’s new president and CEO, China, and will join the company on April 1, 2025, ahead of leading the region starting July 1 following Yihao’s departure.

Yihao’s planned retirement allowed GE HealthCare to purposefully identify and prepare a qualified successor in Will, an exceptional leader with a strong track-record and the right skillsets to help deliver the company’s local strategy.

Since joining GE HealthCare in 2019, Yihao has been responsible for GE HealthCare’s strategic development and operations in China, driving the company’s long-term growth in the market. He has redefined the company’s localization, innovation and partnership strategy in China, establishing a clear blueprint for long-term growth in the region. His efforts in developing and promoting industry-leading localization have been critical in transforming the industry and helping the company navigate in the highly evolving, policy-driven and competitive market. He also doubled innovation investment within five years and expanded the company’s manufacturing footprint in Beijing, Wuxi, Tianjin and Shanghai and built two new manufacturing sites in Chengdu and Shenzhen.

“Yihao has proven himself to be a humble, energetic, people-focused leader who embraced our company culture, strategy and purpose. He has made an indelible mark on our colleagues and the industry,” said Peter Arduini, president and CEO, GE HealthCare. “I want to personally thank Yihao for his leadership and contributions through the years, and for positioning GE HealthCare as a leading innovator in China. I wish him a healthy and happy retirement. Looking ahead, I am confident that Will’s stellar reputation and in-depth knowledge of the China market, along with his robust relationships with key stakeholders and deep understanding of our customer base, will help enhance our position in China and move the region forward to effectively deliver on the future of healthcare.”

Will joins GE HealthCare from Johnson & Johnson, where he served as global senior vice president and China chairman. He led the China Presidents’ Council to advance Johnson & Johnson’s journey of innovation in China across MedTech and Innovative Medicine businesses. He joined Johnson & Johnson in 2003 and held various global positions with increasing responsibilities.

Well respected in the China market, over the past decade, Will has served as vice chairman of the China Association of Medical Devices Industry, vice president of the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, and vice chairman, Shanghai Enterprises Directors Association. He has been recognized with multiple external honors for his accomplishments, impact on the healthcare industry and broader economic development. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Peking University, an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts.

Will is going to be based in Shanghai, China. Yihao and Will are working closely over the next several months to get immersed in the business, which is strategically important to the company’s growth strategy, and enable a deliberate and effective transition period.

About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.

GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient’s journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits.

GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226884925/en/

GE HealthCare Media Contact:

Jennifer Fox

414-530-3027

Jennifer.r.fox@gehealthcare.com

Lu Zhong

86-1810 113 1180

LuYin.Zhong@gehealthcare.com

Source: GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.

FAQ

When will Will Song take over as GE HealthCare's (GEHC) new China CEO?

Will Song will join GEHC on April 1, 2025, and officially assume the role of president and CEO, China on July 1, 2025.

What are the key achievements of Yihao Zhang during his tenure at GEHC China?

Zhang doubled innovation investment in 5 years and expanded manufacturing across Beijing, Wuxi, Tianjin, Shanghai, plus new sites in Chengdu and Shenzhen.

What is Will Song's background before joining GE HealthCare (GEHC)?

Song was Johnson & Johnson's global senior vice president and China chairman, with over 20 years of experience at the company.

How is GEHC ensuring a smooth leadership transition in China?

Zhang and Song will work together for several months before the July 2025 transition to ensure business continuity and effective knowledge transfer.