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Julie Kim Takes Helm as Takeda CEO

Kim, who succeeds Christophe Weber, brings more than three decades of global healthcare experience to the role.

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By: Charlie Sternberg

Associate Editor

Julie Kim.

Editor’s Take: This CEO transition follows Takeda’s recently announced plans to reorganize its executive leadership team and business structure as the company seeks to accelerate growth and decision-making amid a more complex global market.

Takeda has appointed Julie Kim as its Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The transition, which was announced in February of 2025, took place following the retirement of Christophe Weber, Takeda’s former president, CEO and representative director.

Chair of the Board of Directors Meeting, Masami Iijima, said: “On behalf of Takeda’s Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate Julie Kim on becoming Takeda’s President and CEO. The Board of Directors is confident in Ms. Kim to drive executional excellence as Takeda launches a number of highly anticipated medicines and grows long-term shareholder value.”

The Board also thanked Christophe Weber for his 12 years of service to Takeda.

About Julie Kim

Kim brings more than three decades of global healthcare experience and a track record of advancing innovation, expanding access to life-changing medicines and delivering meaningful impact for patients and communities. She joined Takeda in 2019 through the acquisition of Shire and held several executive-level roles, including president of the Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit and president of the U.S. Business Unit before becoming CEO-elect in 2025.

“As we enter our next era, we have three major launches planned in the next 12 months and we are continuing to advance our robust pipeline of five additional highly innovative late-stage assets,” Kim remarked. “Our growth roadmap built around our two strategic horizons positions us for a successful future for patients, our talented employees and shareholders.”

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