Takeda Names Julie Kim as First Female CEO in Company's 240-Year History

Christophe Weber will step down in 2026 after leading Takeda for over a decade, paving the way for Julie Kim to take the helm.

Julie Kim, currently president of Takeda’s U.S. Business Unit, will succeed Christophe Weber as CEO in June 2026, pending shareholder approval.
Kim will be the first woman to lead the 240-year-old Japanese pharmaceutical giant, marking a historic milestone for the company.
Christophe Weber, who became Takeda’s first non-Japanese CEO in 2015, is stepping down after overseeing major transformations, including the $62 billion acquisition of Shire Pharmaceuticals in 2019.
Takeda reported significant financial growth recently, with operating income rising 86% and revenue increasing 9.8% for the nine months ending December 2024.
Kim’s leadership is expected to focus on competitive growth, with new product launches anticipated in the latter half of 2026.