Novo Nordisk Appoints Mike Doustdar as New CEO Amid Executive Reshuffle

Expressing gratitude for his new role, Mike Doustdar said, “It’s an enormous privilege to lead this company at a time of tremendous opportunity and change. I come to this role with a sense of urgency, a laser focus on high performance, and a fierce determination for Novo Nordisk to aim higher than it’s ever done.”

Major R&D Overhaul and Other Key Appointments

In a related move, Novo Nordisk announced the merger of its Research & Early Development and Development divisions into a single, unified R&D unit. Martin Holst Lange, MD, PhD, will take over as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) from 7 August 2025. He currently serves as EVP, Development.

Outgoing CSO Marcus Schindler will retire but remain temporarily to support the transition. Chair Helge Lund acknowledged his contributions: “We thank Marcus for his deep commitment to Novo Nordisk and its pursuit of scientific excellence.”

The company also appointed Emil Kongshøj Larsen, currently SVP for Europe and Canada (EUCAN), as the new Executive Vice President of International Operations, replacing Mike Doustdar. Larsen has previously led several business areas across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and currently manages a region accounting for around 20% of global sales.

Revised Executive Team Line-Up

With these transitions, Novo Nordisk’s Executive Management team, effective 7 August, will include:

Maziar Mike Doustdar, President and CEO

Martin Holst Lange, EVP & CSO – Research & Development

Emil Kongshøj Larsen, EVP – International Operations

Karsten Munk Knudsen, CFO

David Moore, EVP – U.S. Operations

Thilde Hummel Bøgebjerg, EVP – Quality, IT & Environmental Affairs

Tania Sabroe, EVP – People, Organisation & Corporate Affairs

Ludovic Helfgott, EVP – Product & Portfolio Strategy

Henrik Wulff, EVP – CMC & Product Supply