The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors experienced significant leadership changes in the first quarter of 2025, with major companies undergoing strategic restructuring while emerging biotechs strengthened their executive teams with industry veterans.
Major Pharmaceutical Companies Navigate Leadership Transitions
Novo Nordisk implemented substantial changes to its executive management structure following the departure of Camilla Sylvest, executive vice president of commercial strategy and corporate affairs. The Danish pharmaceutical giant promoted Ludovic Helfgott, who previously led the rare disease division, to oversee an expanded portfolio including product and portfolio strategy, commercial strategy, medical affairs, and business development across the entire company. Helfgott, who joined Novo Nordisk in 2019 from AstraZeneca, brings extensive experience in rare disease therapeutics to his new role.
The company also elevated Thilde Hummel Bøgebjerg, a senior vice president with 18 years at Novo Nordisk, to executive vice president of quality, IT, and environmental affairs, reflecting the company's continued focus on operational excellence and sustainability initiatives.
Cell Therapy Sector Faces Leadership Upheaval
Belgium-based Galapagos, which has been transforming into a cell therapy-focused biotech, announced significant changes at the top of its organization. Dr. Paul Stoffels, who has served as chair and CEO since 2022, announced his intention to retire once a successor is identified. During his tenure, Stoffels oversaw strategic acquisitions including CellPoint and Abound Bio, positioning the company for its current cell therapy focus.
The company also experienced the departure of CFO and COO Thad Huston, who left for personal and professional reasons. Huston had joined Galapagos in 2023 from Kite Pharma to support the company's strategic transformation.
In a related development, Henry Gosebruch was appointed CEO of SpinCo, a new spinoff from Galapagos. Gosebruch brings significant leadership experience from his previous role as president and CEO at Neumora, a clinical-stage neuroscience company, and his earlier position as executive vice president and chief strategy officer at AbbVie.
Emerging Biotechs Secure Experienced Leadership
Several biotechnology companies announced new chief executives, reflecting the sector's ongoing maturation and strategic evolution. Swedish immunology company Hansa Biopharma appointed Renée Aguir-Lucander as CEO, bringing her seven years of experience leading Calliditas Therapeutics through a successful dual listing on NASDAQ in both Sweden and the United States.
Creyon Bio, a California-based company specializing in AI-powered oligonucleotide engineering, named Serge Messerlian as CEO. Messerlian previously served as CEO of Teon Therapeutics and president of Janssen Oncology, where he led the development and commercialization of multiple cancer therapies.
San Francisco-based Sutro Biopharma, which specializes in antibody-drug conjugates, promoted Jane Chung from president and chief operating officer to CEO, replacing Bill Newell as the company restructures operations and reduces staff following setbacks with its lead ovarian cancer drug candidate.
Scientific and Medical Leadership Strengthened
The industry saw significant appointments in chief medical officer and chief scientific officer roles across multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Celine Wilke joined German radiopharmaceuticals company ITM as chief medical officer, bringing experience from Novartis where she oversaw clinical trials leading to global approvals of Pluvicto and Locametz.
Dr. Leonardo Viana Nicacio was appointed chief medical officer of New York-based Protara Therapeutics, which focuses on cancer and rare diseases. Nicacio brings clinical development expertise from leadership roles at Stemline Therapeutics, Seagen, and AstraZeneca.
Massachusetts-based Zenas BioPharma strengthened its scientific leadership with two key appointments: Haley Laken as chief scientific officer and Dr. Lisa Von Moltke as head of research and development and chief medical officer. Von Moltke brings 30 years of experience from positions at Seres Therapeutics, Alkermes, Sanofi/Genzyme, and Takeda's Millennium division.
Technology and Innovation Leadership Expands
Several companies focused on cutting-edge technologies made strategic leadership appointments. Dr. Bo Wang joined San Francisco-based Xaira Therapeutics as senior vice president and head of biomedical AI. Wang serves as a professor at the University of Toronto and chief AI scientist at Canada's largest research hospital system.
Telix Pharmaceuticals, a Melbourne-based radiopharmaceutical company, appointed Paul Schaffer as chief technology officer following the company's acquisition of ARTMS Inc. Schaffer has led technology development at ARTMS for seven years and serves as director of life sciences at TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator research center.
Financial Leadership Strengthens Across Sector
Multiple biotechnology companies appointed new chief financial officers to support their growth and development strategies. Copenhagen-based ADC developer Adcendo ApS brought on Fang Z Ni from Black Diamond Therapeutics, while Paris-based cell therapy company Astraveus tapped Laurence Riot Lamotte, who has experience leading notable financings including IntegraGen's IPO.
Belgian biotech Novadip appointed Soumya Chandramouli as CFO, bringing 25 years of financial management experience, most recently as CFO of IBA Group. UK specialty pharma Actimed Therapeutics welcomed Shaun Claydon, a chartered accountant with significant industry experience including serving as CFO of Creabilis.
The wave of leadership changes reflects the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry's continued evolution as companies adapt to new therapeutic modalities, technological advances, and changing market dynamics. These appointments position organizations to navigate the complex landscape of drug development while pursuing innovative approaches to addressing unmet medical needs.
