Over the past three years, Derek Wilson transformed the way Johnson & Johnson acquires contingent worker talent, expanding the company’s program to 56 countries while accelerating speed to engagement improving process compliance and enhancing the focus on talent quality.

In a year that has been defined by agility and resiliency, his team implemented a global contingent worker strategy and ensured the safety and well-being of the company’s contingent workforce during the pandemic. Wilson partnered with senior leaders across the company to fund a defined period of paid sick/absence leave for contingent workers in 2021.

In addition to navigating the pandemic, Wilson also recognized the influence he had to help shape hiring practices within Johnson & Johnson and wanted to use it for greater good. He founded the DiverseAbility Talent Program, with the goal of attracting qualified talent with special needs as contingent workers, which could lead to permanent hire opportunities. Reflecting on the initiative’s success, Wilson says, “People with diverse abilities often solve problems that others never have to face. If you can bring that problem-solving capability into Johnson & Johnson, imagine how much they could lend toward our mission!”

Moving forward, Wilson plans to continue to advance a more inclusive and agile workforce to help Johnson & Johnson fulfill its mission of blending heart, science and ingenuity to change the trajectory of health for humanity.