Amid ongoing cutbacks at the health care giant, the very visible head of the worldwide pharma group - and a board member - will retire on March 1. There was no explanation, however, for the decision.

Poon, 56, joined J&J in 2000 from Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she worked for 15 years, and became one of the highest-ranking women execs in big pharma. Before her currrent job, Poon oversaw J&J’s global meds and nutritionals biz.

In a statement, J&J ceo Bill Weldon says nothing out of the ordinary: Chris has been instrumental in helping to build Johnson & Johnson’s pipeline of medicines to its place today as one of the world’s most highly-regarded. We will certainly miss Chris’ counsel, her leadership focus in building our pharmaceuticals business and her constant quest to bring better health and well-being to people around the world. She has exhibited strong leadership and personal involvement in building a skilled and diverse workforce. As a member of our Executive Committee and Vice Chairman, Chris has helped to shape Johnson & Johnson’s strategy and vision for the future.”

No word on a successor. Write us with your suggestions and scuttlebutt.

She wrote this note to employees this morning…

September 12, 2008

Dear Friends at Johnson & Johnson,

With Bill Weldon’s understanding and support, I wanted to communicate directly with you about my decision to retire from Johnson & Johnson effective March 1, 2009. Over the next six months, I will work closely with Bill, the Executive Committee and the pharmaceutical leadership team to successfully close 2008, complete plans for 2009 and provide assistance for an orderly transition.

It has been my great good fortune to have worked at Johnson & Johnson during a period of fundamental change in the health care industry. Together with Bill and our management group, I have had the chance to be part of setting the stage for what will be one of the most exciting chapters in the Corporation’s long history. In pharmaceuticals, I believe our late-stage development pipeline is stronger than it has ever been; our recently-introduced products are already transforming medical practice to advance the care of patients with cancer, pain, schizophrenia and HIV; our early development pipeline is promising; and our pharmaceutical leadership team and depth of talent is best in the industry. All that has been accomplished is due to the dedicated efforts of people throughout our wonderful organization.

Nevertheless, at this time in my life, I find myself drawn by the irresistible forces of family* and, still, a deep desire to take on new challenges and find opportunities to advance society and health through my continuing involvement with science, technology, innovation and business. So I leave with mixed emotions, but with the satisfaction of knowing that, together, we have made a positive difference both in terms of lives saved and better patient outcomes, as well as having helped position Johnson & Johnson for many opportunities in the future.

The field of human health and well-being is a significant calling for people who want to make a difference. The rewards of our profession are hard-earned, but generational in impact. I sincerely appreciate all of the support and encouragement I have received from so many of you through these years. I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to have served with you and I wish you the very best for the future.

Sincerely,

Chris Poon

* UPDATE: We should point out that Poon does not have any children.