As Global Head of the World Without Disease Accelerator (WWDA), Ben Wiegand, Ph.D. leads a team focused on catalyzing a paradigm shift from disease care to health care through novel approaches to prevention, interception and cure. Ben’s work is driven by a vision to create a world without disease and stop, reverse or inhibit an individual’s progression to disease.
With more than 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, Ben brings a range of experience in identifying and piloting new business and funding models, accelerating growth opportunities and scouting new and emerging scientific areas to deliver innovative solutions. In prior roles, Ben served as Global Head, Janssen Disease Interception Accelerator, as well as Vice President, Global Open Innovation and New Business Models Research & Development for the J&J Group of Consumer Companies. His responsibilities included the creation of disruptive innovations and the progression of emerging scientific areas, like the microbiome and big data, to advance healthcare.
Ben has served as General Manager and Vice President, Science and Innovation, J&J Wellness & Prevention, Inc. During his tenure with Wellness & Prevention, Ben led science and innovation efforts to support the enterprise, including oversight of an innovation development program and measurement/reporting of industry-leading organizational outcomes. He also held responsibility for the Employer Franchise, focused on providing health and performance solutions to large companies to help manage healthcare costs and improve employee productivity.
Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University.