Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Names Julie Kim as New CEO

TOKYO, Jun 24 (Pulse News Wire) – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (4502.F) announced Julie Kim as its new CEO, succeeding Christoph Westphal who stepped down after leading the company for 12 years. At the 150th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held today, Kim was elected as an internal director and subsequently appointed as representative director, president, and CEO.

Kim brings over three decades of global experience in driving innovation and delivering transformative medicines. Since joining Takeda in 2019 through Shire's acquisition, she has held various leadership roles including President of Plasma-Derived Therapeutics Business Unit and US Business Unit President. She was named successor to the CEO position in August 2025.

In addition, the meeting elected three new independent outside directors—Bruce Burows, Koichiro Kimura, and Paul Stoffels—to support the company’s next phase of growth. The board now consists of eight independent outside directors out of eleven total members, ensuring transparency and objectivity. Takeda also unveiled changes in executive positions, with Kim officially taking charge effective June 24, 2026.

Other key appointments include Chief Financial Officer Fumie Miyauchi and Research & Development President Andrew Plump remaining in their roles.