Sanofi has appointed Belén Garijo as the group's new chief executive officer, replacing Paul Hudson. The handover will take place after the next shareholders' meeting and marks the beginning of a new stage for the French pharmaceutical company, in a context of deep transformation of the sector.
The appointment does not respond solely to an executive succession, but to a strategic decision aimed at strengthening scientific capacity, operational efficiency and the execution of the group's growth plan. Sanofi faces an increasingly demanding environment, with pressure on innovation, pipeline productivity and global competitiveness.
Belén Garijo is a doctor by training and has extensive experience in the international pharmaceutical industry. Until now she has served as CEO of Merck, where she led a period of strategic reorganization and strengthening of positioning in science and technology. Previously, she held high-level positions within Sanofi itself, which gives her direct knowledge of the group's corporate structure and culture.
His profile combines clinical experience, management of large organizations and strategic vision in international markets, elements that the board of directors considers key for the company's new phase.
Garijo's leadership must focus on strengthening the group's competitiveness and ensuring an effective execution of its strategy in the medium and long term.