Takeda Announces CEO Succession Plan: Julie Kim to Replace Christophe Weber in 2026

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan's largest drugmaker, has unveiled its leadership transition strategy, naming Julie Kim as the successor to long-serving CEO Christophe Weber. This move marks a significant shift in the company's top management and sets the stage for its next phase of growth in the global biopharmaceutical landscape.

Weber's Tenure and Takeda's Transformation

Christophe Weber, who has led Takeda for 11 years, plans to step down in June 2026. During his tenure, Weber, the first non-Japanese CEO in the company's 245-year history, has overseen a period of remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Takeda's revenue has nearly doubled, projecting to reach $29.8 billion in FY 2024, up from $15.2 billion in FY 2015.

Weber's impact on Takeda has been profound, as noted by Chairman Masami Iijima: "During Christophe's 12 years of leadership, Takeda has transformed into a competitive, global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, with a long-term sustainable business model."

Julie Kim: Takeda's Next Leader

Julie Kim, 54, is set to take the helm at Takeda, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Kim joined Takeda in 2019 following the company's $62 billion acquisition of Shire. Her rapid ascent within Takeda is evident from her current role as president of the company's U.S. operations, a position she has held since April 2022. Prior to this, Kim led Takeda's plasma-derived therapies business.

Kim's academic background includes an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's degree in economics from Dartmouth College. Her career trajectory, from consultant to industry executive, culminated in her joining Baxter in the early 2000s before her move to Takeda.

Transition Process and Future Outlook

Takeda has characterized Kim's promotion as part of a "multi-year succession process," emphasizing the company's commitment to a smooth leadership transition. Weber expressed his confidence in the timing of this announcement, citing Takeda's "competitive growth outlook" and the "new product launches expected from the second half of 2026 onwards."

Kim, honored as one of the Fiercest Women in Life Sciences in 2020, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: "Takeda is a unique company, and I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead it. Thanks to Christophe's phenomenal leadership, Takeda has become a global biopharmaceutical powerhouse with a promising late-stage pipeline. I am excited to guide Takeda through the next phase."

As part of the transition plan, Weber will not take a seat on the board after his retirement. Kim is expected to be proposed as a board member at Takeda's annual shareholders meeting in 2026, aligning with the company's governance structure and ensuring continuity in leadership.