Tom Cavanaugh Appointed Head of J&J Innovative Medicine

From 1 September 2026, Johnson & Johnson's lucrative Innovative Medicine division will enter a new chapter under the leadership of Tom Cavanaugh, who succeeds Executive Vice President Jennifer Taubert following her retirement.

Jennifer will step down after 21 years with Johnson & Johnson, having served as EVP of Innovative Medicine since July 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw impressive growth, with annual revenues rising to US$60bn.

Tom joins the role from his current position as Company Group Chairman for Innovative Medicine's North American operations, bringing with him nearly three decades of biopharmaceutical experience. 

He will also become a member of Johnson & Johnson's Executive Committee when he assumes the position.

“Jennifer has made an extraordinary impact on patients, our business, and generations of leaders across our company,” says Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO 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 pivotal figure

During her more than two decades at Johnson & Johnson, Jennifer has shaped almost every aspect of the Innovative Medicine business, including acquisitions, therapeutic portfolios and global commercial strategy.

Under her leadership, the company expanded its portfolio of medicines across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular disease and other areas of significant unmet need, contributing to sustained growth within the business.

Innovative Medicine: a standout performer

Over the past 12 months alone, Johnson & Johnson's Innovative Medicine business has continued to strengthen its pipeline and R&D capabilities through a series of major initiatives.

Alongside the acquisition of Firefly Bio and a strategic collaboration with Sail Biomedicines, the company has expanded AI-powered drug discovery partnerships with organisations including Isomorphic Labs and Prazer Therapeutics, while advancing multiple late-stage programmes across oncology, neuroscience and immunology.

Innovative Medicine was also a standout performer in Johnson & Johnson’s Q2 financial results, achieving US$16.4bn in worldwide sales and a 6.8% growth in operational sales.  

The performance of Jennifer’s division puts Johnson & Johnson on track to meet its US$100bn revenue goal in 2026.

Maintaining momentum

Tom Cavanaugh brings deep experience to the Innovative Medicines EVP position as he seeks to continue the momentum set under Jennifer’s leadership. 

Since joining Johnson & Johnson in 2017, Tom has held senior leadership roles across Global Commercial Strategy, Oncology and Immunology departments.

As existing Group Chairman of the Innovative Medicines North America division, he has also led the company’s largest commercial market.

Before joining Johnson & Johnson, Tom spent nearly 15 years at Celgene, where he held leadership roles spanning global product development, medical affairs, global and regional marketing and regional management in both Spain and the US, with a focus on the company's hematology and oncology portfolios. 

Commenting on Tom’s appointment, Joaquin says, “I am pleased to appoint Tom to this important role as we advance our pipeline and bring transformative medicines to patients around the world.

“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.”