Japan's Takeda names 1st female CEO in leadership change

Current head Weber, who catapulted company to global ranks, to leave in 2026

20250130N Takeda

Current CEO Christophe Weber will be replaced by Julie Kim, head of the U.S. division. (Source photos by Takeda)

NORIYUKI TAKADA

TOKYO -- Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical announced on Thursday that CEO Christophe Weber will step down in June 2026 and be succeeded by current U.S. business head Julie Kim, who would become the company's first female chief.

"Now is the right time to appoint my successor given our competitive growth outlook, new product launches expected from the second half of 2026 onwards and the anticipated retirement of some external independent directors in the coming years," Weber said at an online briefing on Thursday.

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