Johnson & Johnson has appointed Tom Cavanaugh as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman Innovative Medicine. Cavanaugh has been with Johnson & Johnson for almost a decade and currently serves as Company Group Chairman, North America, Innovative Medicine.
Cavanaugh brings nearly three decades of biopharmaceutical experience and leadership across therapeutic areas, functions and geographies to the role and will join the Johnson & Johnson Executive Committee, effective as of 1 September 2026.
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 organisational excellence. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Cavanaugh spent nearly 15 years at Celgene in global product development, global medical affairs, global & regional marketing, and regional management roles in Spain and the US.
Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, said: “I am confident Tom’s 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 succeeds Jennifer Taubert, who will retire from her position as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine after more than 21 years at Johnson & Johnson.
“Jennifer has made an extraordinary impact on patients, our business, and generations of leaders across our Company,” said Duato. “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.”
Taubert played a pivotal role in shaping Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical business. Throughout her tenure, she impacted nearly every aspect of the Innovative Medicine business – from leading global commercial strategy and acquisitions, to building therapeutic areas, to transforming business in North America, and ultimately leading the 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, fuelling one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. Taubert strengthened Johnson & Johnson’s reputation as an innovation-driven healthcare company and advanced important discussions around healthcare access, innovation and patient outcomes.
Recognised for ten consecutive years among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, she is widely recognised as a champion for patients and an influential voice across the healthcare industry for improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide.