Tarek Samad Takes Helm as EVP and Head of R&D at Lundbeck, Steering Future Innovations

Tarek Samad Joins Lundbeck as Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development

In an exciting development for Lundbeck, a leading biopharmaceutical company focusing on brain health, Tarek Samad has been appointed as the Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development (R&D). Effective September 1, 2026, he will take over from Johan Luthman, who is retiring after a remarkable seven-year tenure with the company.

This leadership transition is set to commence in July 2026, allowing for a smooth handover of responsibilities. Luthman will remain with Lundbeck until the end of the year to ensure critical strategic and scientific priorities are effectively transitioned.

CEO Charl van Zyl expressed gratitude towards Johan Luthman for his exceptional contributions during his time at Lundbeck. Under Luthman’s leadership, the R&D organization underwent significant restructuring and a renewed scientific focus, which has established a robust and innovative pipeline of products aligned with Lundbeck’s strategy to be a focused innovator. Van Zyl highlighted Samad’s substantial role in advancing Lundbeck’s R&D strategy and his excellence in leadership, which are crucial for continuing the company's momentum towards innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Tarek Samad currently serves as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research and Corporate Patents, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he spearheaded the global research organization, enhancing Lundbeck's innovation capabilities and fortifying research collaborations. His promotion is a testament to Lundbeck's commitment to internal talent development and leadership continuity.

Before joining Lundbeck, Samad gained extensive experience in senior research leadership at companies such as Immunitas Therapeutics, Sanofi, and Pfizer. He also contributed to the academic field as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, showcasing his deep-rooted expertise in neuroscience.

Upon accepting his new role, Tarek Samad expressed enthusiasm for joining the Executive Leadership Team at Lundbeck. He emphasized the company's unique legacy in scientific excellence and its unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of those affected by brain diseases. Over his five-year journey at Lundbeck, he has worked closely with Johan and the broader R&D organization, pushing the boundaries of science, innovation, and the progress of Lundbeck’s product pipeline.

Johan Luthman, who has transformed Lundbeck’s R&D capabilities during his tenure, marked the transition as a significant milestone. He expressed confidence that the team has fundamentally shifted the trajectory of Lundbeck, significantly enhancing its innovation potential, thereby solidifying the company's reputation as a leader in neuroscience R&D. Luthman’s leadership focused on diversifying drug modalities and venturing into new biological research areas, producing a wealth of first-in-class opportunities at various development stages.

Following this leadership change, Lundbeck remains poised to continue its mission of delivering innovative solutions to patients suffering from neurological disorders. Tarek Samad’s appointment marks a new chapter in Lundbeck’s ongoing journey to improve brain health and develop transformative treatments.

As Lundbeck progresses under Samad’s stewardship, the importance of not just scientific innovation but also addressing societal health issues is paramount. The company vows to fight stigmas associated with brain health while striving to create long-term value for shareholders and making positive contributions to patients and their families.

With over 70 years of experience in neuroscience, Lundbeck operates in more than 20 countries, employing over 5,000 individuals to deliver therapies and innovations that make a real difference in patients’ lives worldwide. The future looks bright as Tarek Samad steps into his new role, ready to lead Lundbeck into its next phase of growth and innovation in neuroscience.