Beyond Band-Aids: Kenvue Needs Comprehensive Treatment – C-Suite Transitions

It’s not every day you see a company show the CEO the door and announce a strategic review all at once, but that’s exactly what Kenvue did. In a bold move that turned heads on Wall Street, the consumer health spin-off from Johnson & Johnson that owns storied brands like Tylenol and Band-Aid, signaled it’s ready to rethink everything from who’s steering the ship to where it’s headed.

Behind the scenes, activist investors have been turning up the heat, pushing for governance changes and demanding sharper execution. Now, with the top job vacant and “strategic alternatives” on the table, Kenvue’s direction has never been more uncertain or more consequential.

Kenvue (KVUE): 22.54

Market Cap: $43.27B

EV: $50.96B

Key Insights

• Kenvue was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023 to allow J&J to focus on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, while Kenvue pursues growth in consumer health.
• Activist investors have pressured Kenvue for strategic changes, leading to leadership shake-ups, including the recent CEO exit and an ongoing portfolio review.
• The company is exploring divestitures of weaker skin and beauty brands, aiming to improve margins, but the financial impact remains uncertain.

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