Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) shifts Innovative Medicine leadership as Taubert retires
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Johnson & Johnson announced that Jennifer Taubert will retire as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine and member of the Executive Committee, effective September 1, 2026, after a career spanning more than 21 years with the company.
Under her leadership, the Innovative Medicine business grew to more than $60 billion in annual revenue. She will be succeeded by Tom Cavanaugh, currently Company Group Chairman, North America, Innovative Medicine, who will become Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine and join the Executive Committee as part of a planned leadership transition.
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8-K Event Classification
2 items: 5.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Innovative Medicine annual revenue: more than $60 billion
Effective date of leadership change: September 1, 2026
Jennifer Taubert tenure: over 21 years
+2 more
5 metrics
Innovative Medicine annual revenue
more than $60 billion
Innovative Medicine business annual revenue under Jennifer Taubert’s leadership
Effective date of leadership change
September 1, 2026
Date Tom Cavanaugh becomes EVP, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine
Jennifer Taubert tenure
over 21 years
Length of Jennifer Taubert’s career at Johnson & Johnson
Fortune recognition span
10 consecutive years
Years Jennifer Taubert was listed among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women
Year Tom Cavanaugh joined Johnson & Johnson
2017
Year Tom Cavanaugh began working at Johnson & Johnson
Key Terms
Innovative Medicine, Executive Committee, forward-looking statements, Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, +1 more
5 terms
Innovative Medicine medical
"Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine"
Executive Committee other
"Tom will join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee"
An executive committee is a small group of top leaders within an organization responsible for making important decisions and setting strategic direction. Think of it as the company's steering team, guiding the overall course and ensuring management actions align with long-term goals. For investors, understanding the executive committee helps gauge how decisions are made at the highest level and how leadership might influence the company's future performance.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This press release contains forward-looking statements"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regulatory
"defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995"
Annual Report on Form 10-K regulatory
"Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K"
An annual report on Form 10‑K is a required, comprehensive filing that publicly traded companies give to regulators and investors summarizing their business, results of operations, detailed financial statements reviewed by independent auditors, material risks, legal issues and management’s discussion of performance. Investors use it like a company’s year‑end report card and medical checkup: it reveals how the business made money, where it is vulnerable, and the facts needed to compare value, judge risk and make informed investment decisions.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What leadership change did Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) announce on August 4, 2026?
Johnson & Johnson announced that Jennifer Taubert will retire as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, effective September 1, 2026. Tom Cavanaugh will succeed her in this role and join the company’s Executive Committee.
When will the Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Innovative Medicine leadership transition become effective?
The leadership transition becomes effective on September 1, 2026. On that date, Tom Cavanaugh will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine and join Johnson & Johnson’s Executive Committee, succeeding retiring executive Jennifer Taubert.
Who is Tom Cavanaugh, the new Innovative Medicine leader at Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)?
Tom Cavanaugh currently serves as Company Group Chairman, North America, Innovative Medicine. He joined Johnson & Johnson in 2017 and has nearly three decades of biopharmaceutical experience, including almost 15 years at Celgene in global and regional leadership roles.
How large is Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)’s Innovative Medicine business mentioned in this 8-K?
Under Jennifer Taubert’s leadership, Johnson & Johnson’s Innovative Medicine business grew to more than $60 billion in annual revenue. This scale underscores the strategic importance of the business unit that Tom Cavanaugh will lead following the transition.
How long has Jennifer Taubert served at Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)?
Jennifer Taubert is retiring after an over 21-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson. During that time, she led many aspects of the Innovative Medicine business and was recognized 10 consecutive years among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women.
Will Tom Cavanaugh join the Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Executive Committee?
Yes. Tom Cavanaugh will join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee effective September 1, 2026. This coincides with his appointment as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, succeeding Jennifer Taubert upon her retirement.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
On August 4, 2026, the Company announced that Jennifer Taubert will retire from her position as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine and member of the Executive Committee effective September 1, 2026.
The Company’s related press release is attached to this Report as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial statements and exhibits
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description of Exhibit | |||||||
99.1 | Press Release dated August 4, 2026. | |||||||
104 | The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL. | |||||||
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: August 4, 2026
| JOHNSON & JOHNSON | |||||
(Registrant) | |||||
By: | /s/ Marc Larkins | ||||
Marc Larkins Corporate Secretary | |||||
Exhibit 99.1
 | Media contact: media-relations@its.jnj.com | Investor contact: investor-relations@its.jnj.com | ||||||
For Immediate Release
Johnson & Johnson’s Executive Vice President Jennifer Taubert to Retire; Tom Cavanaugh Appointed EVP, Worldwide Chairman Innovative Medicine Effective September
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — August 4, 2026 — Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced that Jennifer Taubert will retire from her position as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine following a distinguished career and over 21-year tenure at Johnson & Johnson. Under her leadership, the Company’s Innovative Medicine business grew to more than $60 billion in annual revenue and strengthened its position as one of the most respected and successful pharmaceutical businesses in the world.
Jennifer will be succeeded by Tom Cavanaugh who currently serves as Company Group Chairman, North America, Innovative Medicine. Tom brings nearly three decades of biopharmaceutical experience and leadership across therapeutic areas, functions and geographies to the role. Together they will ensure a smooth transition that enables continued success. Tom will join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee, effective September 1, 2026.
"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.”
Jennifer played a pivotal role in shaping Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business. Throughout her tenure, she impacted nearly every aspect of our Innovative Medicine business—from leading global commercial strategy and acquisitions, to building our therapeutic areas, to transforming our business in North America, and ultimately leading our Innovative Medicine sector as Worldwide Chairman. Her contributions accelerated delivery of new medicines across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease and other areas of significant unmet need, fueling one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. Jennifer strengthened Johnson & Johnson's reputation as an innovation-driven healthcare company and advanced important discussions around healthcare access, innovation and patient outcomes. Recognized for 10 consecutive years among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, she is widely recognized as a champion for patients and an influential voice across the healthcare industry for improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide.
Tom Cavanaugh joined Johnson & Johnson in 2017, and has 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. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Tom spent nearly 15 years at Celgene in global product development, global medical affairs, global & regional marketing, and regional management roles in Spain and the U.S. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his authentic leadership, ability to unite teams around a shared purpose, and commitment to developing talent reflecting both the breadth of his experience and dedication to improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
“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 Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson &
Johnson. “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.”
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. A list and description of risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, www.investor.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
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