Press Release: Belén Garijo to become Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi
Globenewswire·2026-02-12 06:30

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's Board of Directors has appointed Belén Garijo as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective after the Annual General Meeting on April 29, 2026, following the decision not to renew Paul Hudson's mandate [1][2][6]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Paul Hudson's tenure as CEO will conclude on February 17, 2026, after six years of contributions to the company's transformation [1]. - Olivier Charmeil will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer during the transition period until Garijo officially takes over [3]. Group 2: Belén Garijo's Background - Belén Garijo has a notable career in the pharmaceutical industry, having joined Merck KGaA in 2011 and becoming its CEO in 2021, marking her as the first woman to lead a DAX40 company in Germany [4]. - She has extensive experience at Sanofi, where she held significant roles for 15 years, including Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations for Europe and Canada [4][6]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - Garijo's leadership is expected to enhance the implementation of Sanofi's strategy, focusing on productivity, governance, and innovation in Research & Development [3][6]. - The Board of Directors expressed confidence in Garijo's ability to drive growth and execute strategic initiatives effectively, emphasizing her international experience and reputation in the industry [6].