Julie Kim to Replace Christophe Weber as Takeda's CEO

Takeda Pharmaceuticals has appointed Julie Kim as the first woman to lead the 244-year-old Japanese company, marking a rare achievement for female leadership in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Kim, a US citizen and the current head of Takeda's US operations, will succeed Christophe Weber as CEO next year. Weber, who became the company’s first non-Japanese CEO in 2015, will step down, as confirmed by the company. During his tenure, Weber led a strategic shift, including the $62 billion acquisition of British competitor Shire in 2019, though the company's share price has dropped nearly 30 percent over the past five years.

Weber led a strategic shift, including the $62 billion acquisition of British competitor Shire in 2019, though the company’s share price has declined by nearly 30 percent over the past five years.

According to a survey published by Kyodo News last year, there are only 13 women CEOs among the roughly 1,600 top-listed companies in Japan.

"Takeda is a unique company, and I am deeply honoured to have been chosen to lead it",  Kim makes a statement.

Her appointment is pending shareholder approval in June 2026.