Takeda Pharmaceutical Company has announced that Julie Kim, the current President of its US Business Unit, will succeed Christophe Weber as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) when he retires in June 2026.

The appointment follows a multi-year succession process, and Kim will also be proposed as a candidate for election to the Board at Takeda’s Annual General Shareholders Meeting in June 2026.

Masami Iijima, Chair of the Board of Directors and the Nomination Committee, emphasized, “The Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Julie Kim to lead Takeda into the next chapter, building on the company’s success under Christophe Weber’s remarkable leadership. During Christophe’s 12 years at the helm, Takeda has transformed into a competitive, global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company with a sustainable long-term business model. Julie is an outstanding leader with a proven track record, particularly in spearheading the U.S. business and the Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit. We are confident she will uphold Takeda’s values while driving further impact for patients worldwide.”

The appointment comes as Takeda anticipates a competitive growth outlook and multiple new product launches from the latter half of 2026 onwards. Christophe Weber, who has led the company since 2015, noted the timing of his retirement was strategically aligned with the company’s trajectory. “I have worked closely with the Board to ensure a seamless succession process. Now is the right time to transition leadership, considering our growth pipeline and upcoming market expansions. Julie is an exceptional choice—I have seen firsthand her commitment, strategic thinking, and deep care for both our people and patients.”

Julie Kim, who has been a member of Takeda’s Executive Team since 2019, expressed, “Takeda is a unique company, and I am deeply honored to be chosen as its next CEO. Under Christophe’s phenomenal leadership, Takeda has become a global biopharmaceutical powerhouse with a strong late-stage pipeline. I am eager to guide the company through its next phase while staying true to our deeply rooted values and 240-year heritage. I look forward to working with the Board, our executive team, and colleagues worldwide to continue serving patients and creating long-term value for stakeholders.”

With three decades of experience in healthcare, Kim has held leadership roles at various global, regional, and functional levels. Her expertise spans international market access, marketing, general management, and emerging market development. Prior to joining Takeda, she led key divisions at Shire plc before its acquisition by Takeda in 2019.

Takeda’s transformation under Weber’s leadership has been marked by globalization, significant R&D advancements, and a commitment to ethical governance and inclusivity. The transition to Kim’s leadership is expected to build on this momentum, ensuring continued innovation and global impact.

Takeda, headquartered in Japan, is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic areas such as gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience, and vaccines. With a presence in approximately 80 countries, the company remains dedicated to improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Kim will officially assume the CEO role following shareholder approval in June 2026, marking a new era of leadership for one of the world’s most influential pharmaceutical companies.