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J&J Litigation VP Steps Down Amid Talc Settlement
22 Aug
Summary
- Erik Haas, J&J's litigation VP, is stepping down at the end of August.
- Aviva Wein will succeed Haas, bringing 20 years of J&J legal experience.
- The company recently agreed to a $5.5 billion settlement for talc lawsuits.
Johnson & Johnson is appointing a new vice president to oversee its litigation matters. This change comes shortly after the company reached an agreement to settle at least $5.5 billion in talc lawsuits. Erik Haas, who has served as J&J's global vice president of litigation since November 2020, will step down at the close of August.
Aviva Wein, a legal expert with a 20-year career primarily at J&J, is set to take over Haas's role. The company expressed confidence in Wein's leadership and understanding of its legal and business priorities. Haas, credited with a distinguished tenure, will remain involved with J&J as outside counsel, continuing to advise on ongoing litigation, including the talc cases.
The recent $5.5 billion settlement is intended to resolve nearly all remaining talc claims, estimated at about 76,000. These claims allege that J&J's talc products contained asbestos and caused cancer. Haas played a significant role in managing these complex legal challenges, including overseeing past unsuccessful attempts to resolve the cases through bankruptcy proceedings.
