Novo Nordisk announced the appointment of Maziar Mike Doustdar as president and chief executive officer, effective 7 August 2025. He succeeds Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, who will step down on the same date. Additional executive changes will also take effect on 7 August.

Mike Doustdar is currently executive vice president of International Operations at Novo Nordisk. Under his leadership over the past decade, International Operations more than doubled sales to approximately DKK 112 billion in 2024. The division includes all affiliates outside the US and employs nearly 20,000 people.

Helge Lund, Chair of Novo Nordisk, said: “Mike has the full support of the Board. He has consistently delivered growth through strong execution and high-performing teams. As the company enters its next phase, we’re confident in Mike’s ability to lead amid evolving market challenges and opportunities, especially in obesity and diabetes.”

His appointment follows a comprehensive internal and external search. The Novo Nordisk Foundation supports the Board’s decision.

Other organisational changes effective 7 August:

Novo Nordisk will merge its Research & Early Development and Development functions into a single R&D unit, led by Martin Holst Lange, MD, PhD. Currently EVP of Development, he will become Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) on 7 August.

Martin Holst Lange will focus on integrating the R&D units, accelerating early- and late-stage pipelines, especially in diabetes and obesity. He will also work closely with Mike Doustdar to drive innovation both internally and through partnerships.

Marcus Schindler, EVP of Research & Early Development and CSO, will retire. Helge Lund said: “We thank Marcus for his contributions to scientific innovation and wish him well.” Marcus joined in 2018 and has served as CSO since 2021. He will stay on briefly to support the transition.

Emil Kongshøj Larsen, currently SVP of the Europe and Canada region (EUCAN), will succeed Mike Doustdar as EVP, International Operations. He oversees 40 countries, accounting for about 20% of Novo Nordisk’s global sales, and has held key roles across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and International Strategy.