Johnson & Johnson Names Tom Cavanaugh to Lead Innovative Medicine as Jennifer Taubert Retires After 21 Years
Key Insights
Jennifer Taubert is retiring as Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson after more than 21 years with the company.
Under Taubert's leadership, the Innovative Medicine business grew to more than $60 billion in annual revenue across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular disease.
Tom Cavanaugh, currently Company Group Chairman for North America, will succeed Taubert effective September 1, 2026, and join the Executive Committee.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that Jennifer Taubert will retire from her position as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than 21 years at the healthcare giant. She will be succeeded by Tom Cavanaugh, currently Company Group Chairman, North America, Innovative Medicine, effective September 1, 2026.
The leadership transition marks the end of a transformative era for Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business. Under Taubert's stewardship, the Innovative Medicine segment grew to more than $60 billion in annual revenue and solidified its standing as one of the most respected and successful pharmaceutical businesses globally.
"Jennifer has made an extraordinary impact on patients, our business, and generations of leaders across our Company," said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "Her vision, leadership, unwavering commitment to healthcare innovation, and passion for talent development helped define an era of growth and position us for future success."
A Legacy of Growth and Therapeutic Expansion
Throughout her tenure, Taubert influenced nearly every dimension of the Innovative Medicine business—from leading global commercial strategy and acquisitions to building therapeutic areas and transforming the company's North American operations. Her contributions accelerated the delivery of new medicines across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and other areas of significant unmet need, fueling what the company described as one of the fastest-growing organizations in the industry.
Taubert also strengthened Johnson & Johnson's reputation as an innovation-driven healthcare company and advanced important discussions around healthcare access, innovation, and patient outcomes. Her influence extended beyond the company, earning her recognition among Fortune's Most Powerful Women for 10 consecutive years. She is widely regarded as a champion for patients and an influential voice across the healthcare industry.
Cavanaugh Brings Three Decades of Biopharmaceutical Leadership
Tom Cavanaugh joined Johnson & Johnson in 2017 and has since held senior leadership positions in oncology, immunology, and global commercial strategy. Most recently, he led the company's largest commercial region, driving growth, strengthening execution, and advancing organizational excellence across North America.
Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Cavanaugh spent nearly 15 years at Celgene, where he served in leadership roles spanning global product development, global medical affairs, global and regional marketing, and regional management in both Spain and the United States. His career has been marked by recognition for authentic leadership, an ability to unite teams around a shared purpose, and a commitment to developing talent.
"I am pleased to appoint Tom to this important role as we advance our pipeline and bring transformative medicines to patients around the world," said Duato. "I am confident his deep understanding of our business, proven track record of growth, and focus on developing people will ensure we are poised to continue to deliver for patients, healthcare systems, and our company."
Cavanaugh will join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee as part of the transition. The company stated that Taubert and Cavanaugh will work together to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities, enabling continued success for the Innovative Medicine division.
The leadership change comes as Johnson & Johnson continues to advance its research pipeline and bring new therapies to patients worldwide. The company operates across both Innovative Medicine and MedTech, developing treatments and medical technologies for a broad range of diseases and healthcare needs.