Julie Kim to Succeed Christophe Weber as Takeda’s CEO in 2026

Julie Kim will become Takeda's new CEO in June 2026, succeeding Christophe Weber12.

Kim is currently the president of Takeda's U.S. Business Unit and has been with the company since 201914.

Christophe Weber will retire after 12 years of leadership, during which he transformed Takeda into a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company14.

The decision was unanimously made by Takeda's Board of Directors following a multi-year succession process12.

Kim will be the first female CEO of the more than 240-year-old Japanese drugmaker4.

Weber joined Takeda in 2014 and became its first non-Japanese CEO in 20154.

Under Weber's leadership, Takeda acquired UK drugmaker Shire PLC for $62 billion in 20194.

Kim has three decades of experience in healthcare, with leadership positions at global, regional, country, and functional levels1.

Takeda is preparing for new product launches expected from the second half of 2026 onwards14.

The company recently reported strong financial results, with operating income jumping 86% to ¥417.5 billion for the nine months ending in December 20244.

Sources:

1. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129509380/en/Julie-Kim-Will-Succeed-Christophe-Weber-as-CEO-of-Takeda-in-June-2026

2. https://www.citybiz.co/article/655193/takeda-appoints-julie-kim-as-ceo/

4. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/01/30/companies/takeda-first-female-ceo/