Particle.news

Sanofi Replaces Paul Hudson, Names Belén Garijo as Next CEO

The board is seeking tighter execution with a renewed focus on R&D productivity after recent setbacks.

Overview

  • Sanofi’s board decided on Feb. 11 not to renew Paul Hudson’s mandate, with his last day set for Feb. 17.
  • Olivier Charmeil, executive vice president for General Medicines, will serve as interim chief executive during the transition.
  • Belén Garijo is slated to assume duties after the April 29 annual meeting, when shareholders will also vote on her directorship and a change to raise the CEO age limit.
  • Sanofi shares fell by roughly 3% to 4.5% following the announcement, and analysts offered mixed assessments of Garijo’s record at Merck KGaA.
  • The leadership reset follows underwhelming trial updates and regulatory setbacks as Sanofi works to build growth before key Dupixent patents expire in the early 2030s.