GE HealthCare has announced a leadership transition for its China operations, with Will Song to succeed Yihao Zhang as new president and CEO.

Song is set to join the company on 1 April 2025, and will take on leadership responsibilities for the region beginning 1 July, following the departure of Yihao.

His previous role was at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) China, where he served as chairman and global senior vice-president.

Song served in leadership roles within industry associations in China and contributed to the healthcare industry and broader economic development.

He has held the positions of vice-chairman of the China Association of Medical Devices Industry and the Shanghai Enterprises Directors Association, and vice-president at the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment.

As part of the transition, Song will be based in Shanghai, working closely with Zhang over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover and to align with GE HealthCare's strategic growth objectives.

GE HealthCare CEO and president Peter Arduini said: “Looking ahead, I am confident that Will’s stellar reputation and in-depth knowledge of the China market, along with his robust relationships with key stakeholders and deep understanding of our customer base, will help enhance our position in China and move the region forward to effectively deliver on the future of healthcare.”

During his tenure since 2019, Zhang has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic development and operations in China.

His initiatives have included doubling the investment in innovation in five years and expanding the manufacturing presence in areas such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, and Wuxi; as well as establishing new sites in Shenzhen and Chengdu.