Novo Nordisk's CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen Steps Down
Novo Nordisk recently announced changes to its executive leadership and Board of Directors.
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will step down as CEO of Novo Nordisk by mutual agreement with the Board, remaining in the role temporarily to ensure a smooth leadership transition while a successor is sought. This change follows recent market challenges and a decline in share price since mid-2024, prompting the Novo Nordisk Foundation to call for accelerated CEO succession and increased board representation. As part of these changes, Lars Rebien Sørensen, chair of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, will join the Novo Nordisk Board as an observer and is expected to be nominated as a board member in 2026.
Commenting on the changes, Helge Lund, chair of the Novo Nordisk Board, says:
“Novo Nordisk’s strategy remains unchanged, and the Board is confident in the company’s current business plans and its ability to execute on the plans. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen for his outstanding contributions to Novo Nordisk’s success during his tenure as CEO. He is highly respected both inside and outside the company for his leadership, values and vision for the company and the pharmaceutical industry at large.”
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen joined Novo Nordisk in 1991 and was appointed CEO in January 2017. During his time at the helm, the company has grown tremendously, fortified its leadership in diabetes care, established itself as a pioneer in the treatment of obesity and diversified into other areas of serious chronic diseases.
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen commented, “Serving as Novo Nordisk’s CEO for the past eight years has been a privilege and an experience that I will always cherish. I am proud of the results I have helped create together with my leadership team, the Board, and the thousands of employees who work every day to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases.”
Commenting on Lars Rebien Sørensen’s participation in Novo Nordisk’s Board meetings, Helge Lund says: “The Board appreciates the perspectives and guidance provided by the Novo Nordisk Foundation through the Board members representing the Foundation and looks forward to working with Lars Rebien Sørensen on the Board.”
Lars Rebien Sørensen brings extensive, first-hand experience of the pharmaceutical industry and its environments from his 16 years (2000-2016) as CEO of Novo Nordisk. Since 2018, he has been chairing the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings.
