Julie Kim is set to become the new CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical, replacing Christophe Weber and making history as the first woman to lead the 240-year-old Japanese pharmaceutical giant. The announcement, confirmed by the company, reveals that Kim, aged 54, will take the helm in June next year, pending shareholder approval. Kim has been managing Takeda’s operations in the U.S. since 2022 and will now take on the top role, marking a significant milestone in the company’s leadership.
In a statement, Weber explained that the leadership change comes at a strategic moment for the company, as Takeda is poised for strong growth following the anticipated launch of new products in the second half of 2026. “Now is the right time,” Weber said, as Takeda prepares to build on its future successes.
Kim, a U.S. citizen, has been with Takeda for six years. Before overseeing operations in the U.S., she was in charge of the company’s plasma-derived therapies division. Her appointment as CEO follows a series of transformations at Takeda, a company that has grown significantly on the global stage.
In 2015, Takeda made waves by appointing Weber as its first non-Japanese CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded its international reach and redefined its focus, evolving into a biotech powerhouse with expertise in fields such as gastroenterology, cancer treatment, neurology, vaccines, and rare diseases. A significant achievement during Weber’s tenure was the $62 billion acquisition of U.K.-based Shire PLC in 2019, which further strengthened Takeda’s global standing.
On Wednesday, the company also reported a strong financial performance, with operating income rising 86% to ¥417.5 billion ($2.7 billion) for the nine months ending in December. This growth was driven by increased product demand, the sale of a business unit, and the favourable exchange rate due to the weak yen. Revenue for the same period climbed 9.8%, reaching ¥3.6 trillion.
Kim’s appointment marks a new era for Takeda as the company continues to expand and innovate, with strong expectations for its future growth.
