## Leadership Transition at Novo Nordisk: Mike Doustdar Assumes CEO Role Amid Strategic Reorganization

Novo Nordisk has announced a significant leadership restructuring, with Maziar Mike Doustdar moving into the president and chief executive officer position starting August 7, 2025. The pharmaceutical giant is making this transition at a pivotal moment as it navigates competitive pressures in the high-growth diabetes and obesity treatment markets.

### The New CEO: A Decade of International Growth

Mike Doustdar brings proven execution credentials to the top job. Over his past ten years managing International Operations, he oversaw remarkable expansion—more than doubling revenues to approximately DKK 112 billion in 2024. This division, encompassing 80 affiliates across markets outside the United States and serving roughly 35 million patients, represents a critical pillar of Novo Nordisk's global strategy.

"I approach this role with urgency and a commitment to unleashing our company's potential," Doustdar stated, emphasizing his focus on high performance and delivering innovative solutions to underserved patient populations. His background spans leadership positions across diverse geographies, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as strategic functions in finance and IT.

### Leadership Changes Across Executive Management

Departing CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen steps down after 34 years with the company, during which Novo Nordisk expanded access to life-changing medicines for millions of patients globally. His tenure saw the firm establish itself as a powerhouse in chronic disease management.

The reorganization extends beyond the top position. Emil Kongshøj Larsen, currently leading the Europe and Canada region spanning 40 countries and accounting for approximately 20% of global sales, will assume responsibility for International Operations as executive vice president.

### Research & Development Consolidation

In a strategic move to accelerate innovation, Novo Nordisk is consolidating its Research & Early Development and Development divisions into a unified R&D unit. Martin Holst Lange, MD, PhD, transitions from executive vice president of Development to chief scientific officer, where he will oversee seamless integration of both functions while prioritizing advancement of diabetes and obesity therapies.

Marcus Schindler, the outgoing executive vice president of Research & Early Development and CSO, has chosen to retire. Schindler's tenure since January 2018 contributed significantly to the company's early-stage scientific innovation pipeline.

### Full Executive Management Lineup

Effective August 7, 2025, Novo Nordisk's leadership structure includes Mike Doustdar (President and CEO), Thilde Hummel Bøgebjerg (Quality, IT & Environmental Affairs), Emil Kongshøj Larsen (International Operations), Ludovic Helfgott (Product & Portfolio Strategy), Karsten Munk Knudsen (Chief Financial Officer), Martin Holst Lange (Chief Scientific Officer, Research & Development), David Moore (US Operations), Tania Sabroe (People, Organisation and Corporate Affairs), and Henrik Wulff (CMC & Product Supply).

Board Chair Helge Lund emphasized that these changes position Novo Nordisk to "address recent market challenges with speed and ambition" while building on its established leadership in obesity and diabetes treatment. The comprehensive selection process for the CEO role included both internal and external candidates, with unanimous Board endorsement.