#Denmark #Copenhagen #Novo Nordisk #Lars Rebien Sørensen #Cees de Jong

Novo Nordisk Foundation Proposes New Candidates for Board

On October 21, 2025, Novo Nordisk A/S made a significant announcement regarding its Board of Directors. The company has scheduled an extraordinary general meeting aimed at electing new board members, a move that has been backed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This strategic shift comes as the Foundation endorses the nomination of prominent figures, including Lars Rebien Sørensen as Chair and Cees de Jong as Vice Chair of the Board.

The upcoming extraordinary general meeting is set for November 14, 2025. During this gathering, the Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to nominate several individuals for the board: Lars Rebien Sørensen for Chair, Cees de Jong for Vice Chair, Britt Meelby Jensen, Mikael Dolsten, and Stephan Engels as board members. Additionally, it’s important to note that current board members Kasim Kutay, Elisabeth Dahl Christensen, Liselotte Hyveled, Mette Bøjer Jensen, and Thomas Rantzau will retain their positions.

In a forward-looking approach, the Foundation has also hinted at proposing Helena Saxon alongside another candidate for election at the company’s Annual General Meeting on March 26, 2026. This continued focus on board renewal signals the Foundation's commitment to enhancing governance as it navigates a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Lars Rebien Sørensen, currently serving as Chair of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, emphasized that the objective of this leadership renewal is twofold. First, it aims to assist the new management team led by CEO Mike Doustdar in executing a comprehensive transformation strategy, aimed at regaining the company's growth momentum. Secondly, it endeavors to find a long-term chairperson who will guide Novo Nordisk through the complicated waters of the 2030s and beyond.

This decision for an extraordinary meeting stemmed from discussions between Novo Nordisk's Board and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The board proposed a careful renewal to integrate selected new competencies while ensuring continuity. However, the Foundation advocated for a more extensive reconfiguration of the board composition, showcasing a clear ambition to enhance the board's effectiveness.

Sørensen asserted, “The Foundation fully supports the Novo Nordisk Board's appointment of CEO Mike Doustdar and the transformation plans disclosed on September 10. In today’s fast-paced operational climate, it’s crucial for us to refresh the board to incorporate new insights and expertise to stay aligned with our strategies.” He added, “The urgency of this board renewal reflects our belief in the necessity of a well-prepared governance structure that can adapt to the current and future challenges.”

The work done by the outgoing board has been crucial in steering Novo Nordisk during an era of extraordinary growth, and Sørensen expressed his gratitude towards them for their successful governance. It has been announced that while he will step down as Chair of Novo Holdings A/S, he will remain at the helm of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, a position he has held since 2018.

Conclusion

The upcoming meeting represents not just a change in personnel but a fundamental shift in the strategic direction of Novo Nordisk as it prepares to meet upcoming challenges and opportunities. With a strong focus on revitalizing its leadership team, Novo Nordisk aims to enhance its effectiveness and sustain its leadership in the life sciences field as it looks to the future. As stakeholders await the outcomes of the extraordinary general meeting, the commitment of the Foundation to bolster corporate governance and strategic initiatives remains evident, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter for Novo Nordisk.