Johnson & Johnson has announced the retirement of Jennifer Taubert, 62, worldwide chair of J&J Innovative Medicine, after more than 21 years with the company.
Taubert joined J&J’s executive committee in 2018 when she was elevated from leading the pharmaceuticals unit’s Americas operations to heading the entire department.
Her promotion came as her predecessor, Joaquin Duato, moved up to become then-CEO Alex Gorsky’s right hand at the pharmaceutical giant.
Taubert naturally adopted her current title when J&J rebranded Janssen into J&J Innovative Medicine in September 2023, marking a significant shift in the company’s identity.
Under her leadership, J&J’s drugs business saw revenues grow from $40.7 billion for full-year 2018 to $31.8 billion for the first half of 2026 alone.
She was also recognised on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list for 10 consecutive years, underlining her standing as one of the pharmaceutical industry’s most prominent figures.
Duato, now chairman and CEO of J&J, paid tribute to his former colleague in a statement released alongside the announcement on Tuesday.
“Jennifer has made an extraordinary impact on patients, our business, and generations of leaders across our Company,” Duato said.
Tom Cavanaugh, the current North America Innovative Medicine leader, will assume the EVP, Worldwide Chairman role on September 1, 2026, ensuring continuity in J&J’s growth-focused strategy.
Cavanaugh joined Johnson & Johnson in 2017 and has held senior leadership positions across Oncology, Immunology, and Global Commercial Strategy during his tenure.
Prior to joining J&J, Cavanaugh spent nearly 15 years at Celgene in global product development, medical affairs, marketing, and regional management roles in Spain and the United States.
Cavanaugh will also join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee on September 1, 2026, following a transition period.
The announcement of Taubert’s retirement comes just one week after Legend Biotech’s CEO, Ying Huang, abruptly resigned from his position.
Adding further context to the timing, Taubert’s comment on J&J’s second-quarter earnings call stating that its Tecvayli-Darzalex combo holds “the potential for cure” contributed to a 10% stock price decline at its Carvykti partner.