Novo Nordisk’s New Power Lineup: A Fresh Era of Leadership and Strategy
Novo Nordisk ushers in a new leadership team blending deep industry experience, scientific excellence, and strategic vision.
In a move that has captured the attention of global investors and the healthcare industry alike, Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical powerhouse behind blockbuster drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, is embarking on a new leadership era.
The company has confirmed a sweeping boardroom overhaul that will see Chair Helge Lund and six independent directors step down at an extraordinary general meeting on November 14, paving the way for a revitalized board that reflects both continuity and strategic renewal.
The shakeup comes just months after Mike Doustdar took the reins as CEO in August 2025, signaling a coordinated effort to align governance and management under a unified vision.
This transition underscores Novo Nordisk’s ambition to sustain its rapid global expansion while strengthening ties with its powerful controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
A New Board for a New Chapter
At the heart of the restructuring is Lars Rebien Sørensen, 71, who will step in as Chair. A towering figure in Denmark’s business landscape, Sørensen served as President and CEO of Novo Nordisk from 2000 to 2016, leading the company through its golden era of growth and innovation.
Currently chairing both the Novo Foundation and Novo Holdings, he brings a unique blend of corporate legacy and shareholder perspective to the table.
Known for his pragmatic leadership and long-term outlook, Sørensen’s return marks a homecoming of sorts — a trusted hand guiding Novo Nordisk through one of its most pivotal transitions yet.
His appointment reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to steady stewardship, ensuring the company’s future remains anchored in its founding values of science, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Global Minds, Strategic Experience
Joining him as Vice Chair is Cees de Jong, 64, an independent Dutch executive with a rich portfolio across biosciences and pharmaceuticals. The former CEO of Chr. Hansen and veteran of DSM, Crucell, and Campina, De Jong brings deep operational expertise and a reputation for fostering innovation-driven growth.
Adding further strength to the board is Britt Meelby Jensen, 52, CEO of Ambu, one of Denmark’s fastest-growing medical device firms. Jensen, who spent over a decade at Novo Nordisk earlier in her career, bridges the old and new — a next-generation Danish leader combining corporate familiarity with entrepreneurial energy.
Kasim Kutay, 60, the British CEO of Novo Holdings, will also retain his seat. With an extensive background in investment banking and healthcare finance, Kutay represents the financial backbone of the group, ensuring alignment between Novo Nordisk’s scientific ambitions and its long-term capital strategy.
Scientific Depth and Financial Rigor
The new board is also marked by its global diversity and cross-disciplinary strength.
Mikael Dolsten, 67, a Swedish pharmaceutical veteran and former Chief Scientific Officer at Pfizer, joins as an independent director. Over his career, Dolsten oversaw the approval of more than 36 medicines and vaccines — a testament to his scientific leadership and R&D acumen.
His presence signals Novo Nordisk’s determination to accelerate research innovation, especially in metabolic and chronic disease therapies.
On the financial front, Stephan Engels, 63, former CFO of Danske Bank and Commerzbank, adds significant financial governance experience.
Known for his precision and transparency, Engels’ inclusion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sound fiscal discipline amid global expansion.
Rounding out the board is Helena Saxon, 55, a Swedish executive and former CFO of Investor AB, one of Europe’s most influential investment firms.
With a career that began at Goldman Sachs in London, Saxon brings strategic investment insight and a deep understanding of healthcare, medtech, and technology ecosystems — crucial for guiding Novo Nordisk through its next growth phase.
Notably, employee-elected members Elisabeth Dahl Christensen, Liselotte Hyveled, Mette Bøjer Jensen, and Thomas Rantzau will remain, preserving institutional continuity and ensuring employee voices continue to shape the company’s future.
While the departure of long-standing independent directors marks a shift in governance tone, the new configuration suggests a more integrated, cohesive leadership structure that aligns the Foundation, management, and shareholders under one strategic direction.
A New Vision for a Global Leader
As Novo Nordisk continues to dominate the global obesity and diabetes market, its leadership renewal comes at a critical moment.
With Wegovy and Ozempic driving record-breaking revenues and expanding global demand, the company must navigate complex challenges — from supply chain pressures to ethical debates around access and pricing.
The revamped board is expected to focus on sustainable growth, R&D excellence, and broader global accessibility — ensuring that Novo Nordisk remains not just a market leader, but a model for responsible innovation.
In the words of one Danish analyst, “This isn’t a crisis of leadership — it’s a realignment of vision. Novo Nordisk is tightening its core to move faster and think bigger.”
With its new board in place, Novo Nordisk appears ready to write the next great chapter in European biotech history — one driven by experience, collaboration, and a bold commitment to the future.
