NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Colleen Goggins, worldwide chairman of the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Group, plans to retire from the company effective March 1.

J&J, which announced the decision Thursday, said Goggins has been a key driver in the company’s effort to resolve manufacturing issues that have resulted in a number of recalls of Children’s Tylenol and other over-the-counter products at the McNeil Consumer Healthcare subsidiary.

"Colleen is among the group of executives that have led the effort to formulate and implement the remediation plan regarding the quality issues at McNeil," J&J chairman and chief executive officer William Weldon said in a statement. "In light of Colleen’s decision to retire, I am pleased that we have a clear remediation plan in place, and we will work together to ensure a smooth transition of her responsibilities.

"We will make a timely announcement of succession plans for this critical position for the company," Weldon added.

Goggins, 56, joined Johnson & Johnson in 1981, working in various assignments of increasing responsibility. She became president of Johnson & Johnson Canada in 1992, president of Personal Products Co. U.S. in 1994 and president of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Cos. in 1995. She was promoted to company group chairman in 1998. Goggins assumed her current position as a member of the executive committee in June 2001.

"Throughout her tenure, Colleen has demonstrated our commitment to our consumers and our people and has made major contributions to our success," commented Weldon. "We thank Colleen for her dedication and extraordinary service and wish her all the best in the years to come."