Takeda’s Chief Financial Officer Costa Saroukos Announces Departure; Milano Furuta to Assume Role Effective April 1, 2024
TOKYO, Japan — In an announcement today, Takeda disclosed that Costa Saroukos, the current Chief Financial Officer, has made the decision to resign and return to his native Australia to be closer to family. The departure will be effective on April 1, 2024, and Mr. Saroukos will continue serving as a board director until June 28, 2024. Takeda’s President of Japan Pharma Business Unit (JPBU), Milano Furuta, is set to succeed Mr. Saroukos, taking on the role starting April 1, 2024. Reporting to President & CEO Christophe Weber, Mr. Furuta will be based in Tokyo, Japan. The appointment of Mr. Furuta as CFO will be presented to the board of directors for approval.
Christophe Weber expressed gratitude, stating, “I would like to thank Costa for his outstanding contributions and leadership on behalf of Takeda’s executive team and board of directors. His pivotal role in Takeda’s global biopharmaceutical transformation, particularly during the Shire PLC. acquisition, has been instrumental. His financial stewardship has positioned the company for renewed growth investment and shareholder returns, and he leaves behind a strong finance function and culture.”
Costa Saroukos played a vital part in Takeda’s evolution, joining in 2015 as CFO of the EUCAN Business Unit and later assuming the role of global CFO in April 2018. His expertise and leadership were crucial during the Shire PLC. acquisition, marking the largest overseas acquisition by a Japanese company. Milano Furuta, the President of Takeda’s Japan Pharma Business Unit (JPBU), will succeed Mr. Saroukos as CFO from April 1, 2024.
Mr. Furuta, a Takeda veteran, has a rich background, having served as corporate strategy officer and chief of staff at Takeda. With global experience and leadership qualities, Mr. Furuta is well-prepared to lead the finance organization. Christophe Weber expressed confidence in Milano’s ability to uphold the commitment to growth and shareholder returns.
Costa Saroukos shared his pride in Takeda’s transformation and expressed anticipation about returning to Australia after 20 years of working outside the country. He commended Milano’s capabilities, stating he is fully confident that Mr. Furuta’s experience, financial background, and leadership skills will ensure Takeda’s continued commitment to shareholders.
Milano Furuta, excited about his new role, stated, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of CFO of Takeda. I wish Costa all the best on his return to Australia and I look forward to building on his legacy and contributing to Takeda as a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader.
